Korea, U.S., Europe...There is Gendered Work All Around!

It matters not what city, town, state, or country; rather, what matters is the prevailing power structure that be. In most societies women are relegated to the bottom of the workforce.  John Lie asserts that the role of women changed drastically from agrarian to patriarchal capitalism.  However, I would like to think differently.  In agrarian patriarchy, there we little room for women's possibilites.  I interpret this to mean that women were essentially invisible and not of concern.  Rather, women were mere objects--house servants.  There was no work for them outside of the house.  While in the patriarchal society, there was this seperation of labor: private vs public sphere.  This meant that women's work was still in the home and men were the breadwinners.  They were the face of the home. The face of the nation, while women were still invisbile.  I mean granted they were noticed for thier work in the home, but this was something they had been doing for years.  There was not much change.  Instead, the division of labor was more pronounced.  But when considering class--the division is much different. The oppression that these women face will rear far different outcomes. What I realized is that the experiences of women in Korea does not differ from other nations.  Perhaps the type of work of that is done, but still they are seen as house servants, a presence not to be represented in larger society.  It is quite disheartening.  The difference lies in how will these women form an uprising.  Will society be receptive?  Will they be hesitant to receive such a message from women?  I know that in America, the women's rights movement was forthright, in that for the first time as a collective, women were standing up for what they believed in opposition to the masculinist forces.  They were not willing to accept no for answer.  I am a woman, which means I am a human being. I deserve what any man deserves!  Now, I do believe that Korean women fought for what they believed. Perhaps, the approach was different, in that the patriarchal nature of Korea  is a bit more different than what is experienced in the U.S. Nevertheless, they are standing up for what they believe. They are refusing to be  silenced.

Disrupting Gender Roles

"Race, Class, Gender, and Women's Works: A Conceptual Framework," addresses the division of labor according to race, class, and gender. For this particular comment, I will discuss the division of labor according to gender specifically. According to the article: "Anthropologists have found that most societies, across historical periods, have tended to assign females to infant care and to the duties associated with raising children because of their biological ability to bear children" (14). However, does the sudden advent of "pregnant men" (Lee Mingwei, Thomas Beatie) affect the division of labor. Although these men did not naturally conceive, because they are currently bearing children in their wombs, will they be assigned the duties associated with raising children. Or, will their natural "manhood" absolve them of that assignment? I introduce these examples to suggest that, as technology advances, and different movements continue to grow, for how much longer will we (as a society) be able to draw clear lines and create definitive categories? Are we reaching a point where we must de-construct all the previous categories because they are not representative of the current world?

Gendered WORK!!

In the article, "From Agrarian Patriarchy to Patriarchal Capitalism: Gendered Capitalist Industrialization in Korea", John Lie describes Korea's transition from agrarianism to capitalism and how it affected gender. Lie argues that gender liberation emerges after patriarchial captialism is implemented. Under agrarian partriarchy, gender was regarded as "invisible and ineffective as a source of identity" (35) and basically "embedded and subsumed"(35). Lie describes how class divided women in agrarian households in sectors such as elite and lower class/peasant. Peasant women differed from the elite women because of their roles as hard workers ("working harder and longer than men in general" (35)). Peasant women also collaberated and mobilized according to their concerns. Under patriarchal capitalism, Lie argues that gender is disembedded with apparent gendered labor roles(37). Industrialization ended agrarian patriarchy but erected another type of patriarchy which "denigrates female work and workers" (38). Women began to unite because they received a common gender oppression. In the name of resistance, Korean women started a women's movement to end gender oppression at the workplace and at home.

After reading this article, I feel like Korean women's struggle for liberation is similar to American women's struggle. During and after WWI and WWII, American women were employed with jobs that would have been labeled as "men's jobs". American women began to notice their significance and their rights to equality with men. As a result the first wave of feminism with NOW began. Women's position economically and professionally affects their perception of their innate rights.

Third wave Revolution

Reading this Manifesta gave me pride to be a woman but also made me reflect on how being a women in today's society is constantly regulated. Not just women but all people are constantly told how to live their lives by the main people that live their lives the opposite. Although all of these thirteen points hit the nail on the head the problem is that they even need to be said. These points should be common sense for the common way of living life. So why do people always need to point out the obvious? Don't get me wrong, i agree all the way with how the manifesta has set up their agenda, it just sucks that everyone doesn't think like this. I remember when i was younger and marched in the women's pro-choice march in Washington, DC and i can vividly remember the images that those who were anti-choice held up. It just troubled me how they felt that they had the right to tell women that they never knew, never have seen, and probably may never see again how they should act out their "reproductive roles" accordingly. Many times i feel that people more often try to enforce and apply their individual morals and beliefs on others lives, but make hypocritical decisions when dealing with their own lives, as if they are an exception to their own rules.
These thirteen points right the everyday wrongs in society. If this was publised nationally and posted every where i do think that i could make a difference. Many times others are so wrapped up in who they want to be, how they want to be seen, and how they see others that they dont remember that in the end we are all JUST HUMAN!!! Even though common sense is not always so common, common courtesy is something that we've been learing since we were born. Its important to think of the basics that were once so strictly enforced. Through the media and other coorperate controlled organizations, we have become desensitized to properly identify disrespeful and derogitory actions.

3rd Wave!!!

From reading the third wave manifesta, I think that this is the Manifesto for generation X feminists. I sometimes feel that within the feminist movement our younger generation isn't taken as seriously but I feel that many of my peers are very active and involved and radical and they deserve to be recognized. Also with their #2. Women's rights to bear or not bear children, I spoke with my best friend yesterday about how difficult it is for minors to have abortions without the consent of a parent and I was explaining to my friend that many of these young women will try and preform an abortion on themselves totally harming their reproductive system because they are so adamant about not having a baby. In situations like these I feel that even if you are not pro choice, you must recognize the fact that women are going to try and have abortions no matter if they are legal or not and it is important to advocate for their right to have a safe and sterile abortion. Also I was condom shopping not to long ago and the store that I went to had their condoms locked up behind a counter and I thought to myself how intimidating this must be for a young girl or boy. Many of these kids who want to buy condoms and practice safe sex with probably turn away because they are to embarrassed to ask for a box of condoms for fear of being judged. But they will still have sex, now putting themselves and their partners at risk. I think that it is very important to advocate for not only free condoms for minors at their doctors offices but also free birth control for girls under eighteen who are to fearful to ask their parents or guardians. I think that young people want to practice safer sex but because of the stigma that goes along with sexually active teens, they are too scared. Also I like to consider myself a very strong opposer of violence against women, I try my best to not only educate my female friends and family but males as well about violence against women and how violence does not only have to be physical but is verbal as well. Often many women who are in relationships get coerced into having sex with their partners or spouses and are too afraid to say no for fear of being beaten or verbally assaulted. This too is violence against women and if you are afraid to say NO to someone then maybe you shouldn't be with that person. Someone who claims to love you should never intimidate you or make you afraid of them. Lastly, I agree that it is important for all feminists, no matter our sexual orientation, educational background, or class, to come together on equal ground to fight for what is important for us as women; holistic health care, equal pay, reproductive rights, human rights, etc.

The Thirteen Point agenda

Reading the Third Wave Manifesta, is relating to women to become individuals making their own decisions. The Third Wave Mainfesta also makes lots of political stands for women, on reproductive rights, and gay and lesbian rights. On the thirteen point agenda one of my favorite points was #8. Point eight was requesting that women are to have equal health care rights as men, as well as coverage providers should keep in mind that women seek health care more often than men. I never thought about there being a difference in women and men health care. However it is true, that women will usually go to the general practitioner more than men. I believe that women should have health care that is equivalent to men, but health care for women should be less expensive do to the fact that health care is more of a necessity for women.
Point number three I have mixed feelings about. Everyone either homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual ect should have the right to have children or adopt if they choose. Yet, I do believe that homosexual parents would confuse the child and put them into an acquired position when growing up. Several issues may arise for the child, for example some children’s parents may not allow their child to have a relationship with the child of homosexual parents. The child will be ostracized and reticule for having two mommies and put in a position to explain why. On the other hand, I do believe that gay or lesbian people should have the choice of having children or adopting; but I think the effects of having gay or lesbian parents will bring upon a lot of ridicule for the child.

The Third Wave Manifesta from Manifesta

Before reading Third Wave Manifesta from Manifesta, I glanced at the title, then the reading, and honestly didn't take its one and a half page exerpt seriously. As I began to read I could strongly agree with some of Baumgarner and Richards thirteen points, but some, in my eyes, I strongly DISagree with. While being a feminist, I still stumbled upon #2. I do feel that as a female I have a freedom of choice, but when it comes to the choice of bearing children, I draw a line as far as my religous beliefs concern. Why you may ask? Well, as a Roman Catholic, it is a strong belief to practice pro life. This means no matter or "regardles the circumstance"as said by Baumgardner and Richards (which I am assuming that the authors are inferring rape, accidental, unwanted, etc... pregnancies) that a female has a choice to either keeping a child or not keeping a child in certain situtaions. I strongly believe that abortion is a type of killing! Sure, there are unforutate cases such as when females are raped BUT there are other alternatives besides abortion. To take a life, even in the womb, is absolutely absurd in my opinion. This is where my beliefs as a feminist and my beliefs as a devout Roman Catholic cross...on a lighter note #8 is a definite thumbs up in my opinion. EVERYONE should have access to healthcare no matter one's financial situation, male or female, or whatever else that makes healthcare unaccessible in the present day; just as alot of third world countries.

This Third wave thang!!!!

When I started to read this article I was puzzled by how short it was. I was confused, I thought what could these two authors possibly be trying to convey in one and a half pages, were they serious?Although, I must apologize for making such a BOLD/IGNORANT statement as such. I mean after reading this article three times and really try to understand what Baumgardner and Richards point was excitement and comprehension came.
Both Baumgardner and Richards talk about a thirteen point agenda that they would like to see in the future a "Third Wave Manifesta". When I first saw the word Manifesta I automatically began to think about the Manifesto project that I was currently doing with nine other classmates in Feminist Theory. All ten of us that are doing this project some what fit into what the authors thirteen point agenda is conveying. I mean even though all of are ideas are not the same what we are trying to do as a group is change what the world has labeled us as, to march out BOLDLY against it, and finally showing them that there is change that can happen.
After going through all thirteen points I felt like all the points had truth to it but yet there were points that I also felt more strongly about. I mean these were points like YEA, HELL YEA I want to be apart in that and maybe we should start that, matter of fact lets start this NOW!! I was excited about point #4,#5,#8, and #13. Now number four (#4) stood out to me because it spoke on how important it was to talk about sex and sex health and most importantly to educate the male responsibility, we just don't take these type of things seriously I don't think. History I believe is important in all aspects for it has been stated by many if history is not taught it is known to repeat itself. As people we must realize that as much as we study about the "WHITE MAN " and his history it is time for us to flip the table and listen to "HERSTORY", women's history must be taught to men so that they too can be educated along with other women . Men must be taught that not all FEMINIST are male bashers and lesbians.
In today's global society it is a must that we have the proper health care system to take care of the needs of our people. Regardless, to the amount of income that one is bringing into the home we as a country should have the funds to help those who are in need. Number eight points out that " equal access to health care"(p.568) making sure that we as people understand, that men and women should have the same rights especially when women have a reproductive system. All in all, this is to say that no matter one's gender, sexuality, or race we must pass the equal rights amendment so that " we can have a constitutional foundation of righteousness and equality upon which future women's rights conventions will stand."(p.569)

the manifesta for all women

Reading this manifesta was truly empowering. As we prepare our manifestos in class, I am baffled by what to say. What is going on in the world that I have a strong opinion about and want to share with my sisters (all sisters)? After reading this Manifesta, my eyes were open to more things that I am passionate about. Out of the 13 points of interest, 9 stood out to me specifically [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10].
Point #2 dealt with a woman’s right to bear or not to bear children. I, personally, have no desire to bear children or care for children. When I tell people this, they feel the need to remind me that I am a woman, that bearing children is something I am “supposed to do”. I know that this #2 leads into the 3rd point of the manifesto regarding reproductive rights. However, the last line of #2 says “support [her] choice to be childless” (568). To me that didn’t necessarily mean abortion, that meant my choice not to pro-create in general. In #3 they deal with the aspect of reproductive rights, birth control, fertilization treatments, and sterilization abuse. In hopes of opening the doors for reproductive rights, birth control and fertilization treatments to all women (poor women and lesbians specifically). And lastly including “the idea that sex… is for pleasure, not procreation” (568).
I also enjoyed #5 stating that we must truly embrace women’s history as a part of our county’s history. Feeling that “women’s history [should be] taught to men as well as women as a part of all curricula” (568). TOTALLY AGREE! I also agree that we need to embrace the concept in #7, “self in community”. Find the balanced link between activism and the self… Lastly, I truly truly truly agree with #8’s approach “to have equal access to health care, regardless of income” (568). Women use the health care system more, therefore giving men more privileges is pointless and sexist. I LOVED THIS READING (short, sweet, and to the point!)

Third Wave Manifesta from Manifesta

After reading Third Wave Manifesta from Manifesta, I was a little confused, so I decided to look up what the point of the actual book was. I found out that Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards wrote this book about a new kind of feminism. Basically, there were two different waves of feminism, and the third wave would consist of young women like myself who are trying to connect the old meaning of feminism and relate it to what they feel feminism is today. I then read the excerpt again, and it made much more since. Baumgardner and Richards, in Manifesta, composed this agenda for the Third Wave Manifesta. One point that really stood out to me was the 4th one, which talks about the double standard between women and men dealing with sex and sexual health. Being a part of various organizations and groups that deal with sexual, reproductive health in teens, I know that a lot of them feel that it is the girl's responsibility to protect herself, to take birth control if needed, and to make sure that she doesn't get pregnant. I think this is a common mindset in a lot of young people's minds simply because girls are the ones who can get pregnant, therefore it is solely up to them to make sure it does or doesn't happen.

This makes me think of a news segment that I saw not too long ago where they were talking about a birth control pill for men. The news station conducted a survey on whether or not men would be willing to take the pill, and majority of them said they would not. This surprised me and also made me wonder why, at a time where it was decided that childbearing could and should be controlled, the method was targeted towards women and not men. I mean is there some scientific reason why there was no equal form of birth control made for men at the same time birth control was made for women? I can go on and on about the different forms of oppression that women face, but then I think I would start to sound like the adults on Charlie Brown. I am at a point where everything I look at has some sort of oppressive element, whether it be towards women, Blacks, Latinos, bisexuals, or any other minority group, and truthfully I don't know what to do.