History of American Feminism, Monday, 2nd Period.

[atreideslioness]

Ghanima was seated at the front of the room, on the edge of her desk as the students arrived. Desks had been pushed into a circle for now, instead of rows, although she had debated getting rid of them altogether.

"Good morning," she said, once everyone had claimed a spot. "I am Lady Ghanima Atreides, and this is the History of American Feminism."

"I feel it only fair to tell you now that I approach this subject as a historian with an academic interest, and not as a resident of this country; being from several thousand years in the future, Imperial society is a place where - outwardly - the only value of a woman is in her marriageability. However, the female gender has been running everything for centuries behind the scenes. It's an interesting paradox."

"Unfortunately, humans-in-power have a history of not exactly being willing to share their authority with other groups," she continued wryly. "For the purposes of this class, however, we're going to focus on the American feminist movement, its ups and downs, and the continued fight for all American women for true equality."

"Contrary to popular belief, there has never been a single united feminism, even when speaking of the American feminist movement. There have been multiple feminisms representing the efforts of women to live into their full humanity in a world shaped by and for the male half of the human species."

"That does not mean this class is about male-bashing. There is a difference, and I will not tolerate hate, in any form, in this room."

"Now I'd like to hear who you are and why you're here, and what about the topic interests you."

Comments

Sign-In 01

[atreideslioness]

Liberated!

Re: Sign-In 01

[arsenicmauls]

Gertrude Yorkes

Re: Sign-In 01

[notacokeperson.livejournal.com]

Karina Lyle

During the Lecture

[atreideslioness]

Take notes, stare at the teacher's weird eyes, hit on your classmates... same thing you do the first class of the semester every term, Pinky.

Re: During the Lecture

[notacokeperson.livejournal.com]

Karina tapped her pen against her cheek, wondering idly if the teacher's eyes meant she was a NEXT.

From what she gathered of this place it wasn't unlikely. But it wasn't likely either. Probably some other world's weirdness, she thought, since her world wasn't big on Lady-anythings.

Introductions

[atreideslioness]

Yes, you have to do them, but Ghanima doesn't care about your class or your favorite color. Just your preferred name and why you signed up for the class.

Re: Introductions

[arsenicmauls]

"I'm Gert Yorkes," Gert said when it came to be her turn. "I'm here because there's no reason someone who cares about equality shouldn't be."

Re: Introductions

[atreideslioness]

"I'll admit to having a bias in favor of everyone taking some sort of social justice class, but there's probably a few reasons why someone who cares about equality might not be in this class," Ghanima replied mildly. "If it doesn't work with their work schedule, or if they've hit their maximum amount of credits for the semester already."

Not that Ghanima would kick anyone out who decided to show up, whether they were enrolled in the class or not.

"But I'm glad you're here, Gert. Is there any particular topic you're hoping we'll cover?"

Re: Introductions

[notacokeperson.livejournal.com]

"Karina Lyle," she said, with a little wave. "Um. I signed up because my parents approved of this class?"

At least she was honest?

Re: Introductions

[atreideslioness]

"I appreciate your honesty," Ghanima said, quirking a slight smile. "Is there anything you're hoping to get out of the class, besides parental approval?"

Re: Introductions

[justbeingbay]

"Hey, I'm Bay," Bay said, with a little wave. "I'm here because I'm interested in liberation and women's history and ... all of that."

It was also partially because it had sounded a lot more normal than some of the other classes, which had made her parents happy, but that seemed a little insulting to share.

Re: Introductions

[atreideslioness]

"Is there any part of the American women's liberation movement that's particularly interesting to you, Bay?" Ghanima asked.

Re: Introductions

[taseredagod.livejournal.com]

"Darcy Lewis." Darcy said when it was her turn. "I'm thinking of working in politics and as much as it shouldn't be, this is still a political topic. Also, I'm a girl." In case you missed that.

Re: Introductions

[atreideslioness]

"Why do you think it's still such a political topic?" Ghanima asked. "And do you feel that civil rights can ever not be a political fight?"

Re: Introductions

[notalender]

Arietty stood at the very edge of her desk and pulled her tiny paper megaphone out of her backpack.

Another semester, another round of yelling out introductions.

"I'm Arietty Clock!" she said in to the megaphone, then waved her free hand in case some folks still hadn't spotted her. "I'm interested in beans -- humans -- and their culture and things, and there's not that many movies around about feminism, so this class sounded interesting."

Re: Introductions

[atreideslioness]

Now Ghanima had to do her best not to squeal with glee, because Arietty was adorable.

"Hello, Arietty," she said instead. "I'm glad you're interested so much in our culture to join the class. Is there anything I can do to make it easier for you to participate?"

Re: Introductions

[batwaffles.livejournal.com]

"Stephanie Brown." She took a breath and launched into the explanation she'd come up with while waiting her turn. "And I've been lucky enough to know a lot of really amazing women."

Maybe it was partly reactionary, but she would put good money on Cass and the Birds of Prey if it came down to a throwdown between them and the Bat-boys. Also if she had money.

"Sooooooooooo." She tried for a brief, enthusiastic smile. "Why not cultivate an appreciation for the fabulous females --" mmm, alliteration -- "who blazed the trail?"

Re: Introductions

[atreideslioness]

This player would PAY to see that throwdown, and bet on the Birds too.

"That's a very personal reason, thank you for sharing," Ghanima said. "Is there any topic in particular that you'd be interested in hearing about?"

Re: Introductions

[thatwasafreebie.livejournal.com]

"I'm Maeby," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm here because I was hoping it'd be a blow-off class, but it probably won't be, so ..."

Another shrug.

"I guess ... also, I mean. I kind of work in the entertainment industry? And the stuff that goes on there is just gross. I don't know if that makes me a feminist but ... there's that."

Re: Introductions

[atreideslioness]

"If you work outside the home, then yes, to many you automatically count as a feminist," Ghanima agreed. "Whether or not you agree is up to you."

"Unfortunately," she continued, eyes twinkling, "--I am not known for 'blow-off' classes, unless I'm teaching with Mr. Wilson. Although those classes are more strange than slacking. Hopefully I won't be too much of a disappointment."

Re: Introductions

[glacial_queen]

"Karla DiGlacia," Karla said when it was her turn. "I'm here because Kaeleer is a matriarchy so much of this world makes no sense to me. Even the stories and commercials and narratives confuse me sometimes."

Don't get her wrong, Kaeleer was full-up on gender essentialism. But this world was just weird. And wrong.

Re: Introductions

[atreideslioness]

It was a very good thing that Ghanima was already acquainted with some of the more interesting aspects of Karla's world.

"Even growing up here, many of conflicting narratives - especially in media - can be confusing," Ghanima assured her. "Hopefully we'll be able to sort some of it out for you."

Talk to the Teacher (and the TA)

[atreideslioness]

"Ms. Fünke?" Ghanima called out. "May I see you after class, please?"

Re: Talk to the Teacher (and the TA)

[thatwasafreebie.livejournal.com]

Maeby grumbled as she picked up her books and things. And she trudged her way to the front of the class.

"Okay, what'd I do?"

Usually she at least knew.

OOC

[atreideslioness]

Dig it?