fandomhigh | History of American Feminism, Monday, 2nd Period.

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modern feminism

History of American Feminism, Monday, 2nd Period.

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."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

"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."

"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?"

"Yeah, but a class with an important topic should be the number-one priority," Gert groused, but she let it go. "I guess I'd be interested in hearing how feminist theories cover people in different age groups."

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

At least she was honest?

"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?"

Karina’s smile back was genuine. “I don’t like to lie when I don’t have to,” she said, as a side-ways apology. “And I think it’ll be interesting? I don’t know how it’s going to match up to my world. I’m from America too but our calendar is totally different and my city doesn’t exist here.”

Which was more than a little mind-breaking. Sternbild was so huge. How could it not exist? Okay, back on track, Karina.

“But girls and wanting to be equal... I can get behind that. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t be. In any world.”

Re: Introductions

atreideslioness - 2013-01-07 18:08 (UTC) - Expand

Re: Introductions

notacokeperson.livejournal.com - 2013-01-07 19:30 (UTC) - Expand

"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.

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

"Kind of?" Bay offered hesitantly. "I'm a painter, and I'm really interested in feminist art. Like Judy Chicago and the 'The Dinner Party.'"

"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.

"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?"

"Two sides, one coin." Darcy said with a shrug. "It's a political issue because a lot of old, white dudes have er..." She abruptly changed her wording. "A very set idea about how awesome they are. Once people stop saying its politics, it'll stop being politics."

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."

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?"

Arietty looked around, then looked up and shrugged. "I should be alright," she said. "But I'll be sure to ask if I think of something along the way."

"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?"

~~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?"

. . . whoops, she hadn't quite thought that far. "Um." Stephanie chewed on her lip. "Not really? I'm open to learning anything. Hit me, impressively intimidating teacher."

HEAD VOICE, STEPH. HEAD VOICE.

Re: Introductions

atreideslioness - 2013-01-08 02:09 (UTC) - Expand

"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."

"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."

"I'll try not to fall asleep," Maeby offered. This was a pretty generous offer, from her. "And I try not to identify with causes too much. I leave that to my mom."

At which point she usually sought out the opposing issues. She once bought an entire leather ensemble just because her mom got into PETA.

"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.

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."

"Are we going to talk about the way crimes against females are treated in this society?" she asked. "Because it's horrible."

There was nothing wrong with castration and execution as punishments for assault, okay?!