Feminism in High Schools

A lot of confusion originates from the fact that there are so many sub streams within feminism Liberal, DIY, radical etc. The most controversial and extreme image of a feminist a politically correct, man-hating, head-shaven, muscle-building dyke is the image that is most often conjured. From discussions with many females students, their rejection of feminism is an expression of their desire to be dissociated with this image, not a rejection of women's liberation. However a significant proportion of the young women I have spoken to have said that they think feminism has gone too far and that it is now unnecessary.

This seems an easy trap to fall into, with the media seizing on the entrance of a few women into previously male dominated work positions as conclusive evidence of the breakdown of gender roles, as well as the promotion of other gains. Some young women expressed their disgust at affirmative action in the form of quotas for women in the work force. This seemed to stem from the idea that women were unfairly replacing men who worked hard for their jobs, just because they are women.

Perhaps they did not consider that no matter how good a worker a woman is, she will not usually get the same recognition as a man due to deeply ingrained systematic discrimination, without something like affirmative action where employers are forced to examine qualifications without sexual bias. An important part of feminism is the rejection of the unrealistic body image which is promoted from all sides. The growth of the use of the "perfect" male model is not a sign of approaching equality - it is rather used as a justification for the continuation of the materialistic exploitation of the body. It is not health for either sex. From as young as 13 or 14, girl students come to school wearing excessive amounts of make up everyday and male students are increasingly concerned about their appearance. Women's liberation is also inextricably linked to sexual liberation. Keeping women in their traditional roles of wife and mother maintains the "normality" which automatically oppresses "abnormal" elements within society such as gay and lesbian relationships.

This link is not often recognised. Access to free safe abortions, and other contraceptives is an important goal for feminism. A woman's right to control her own body is vital. For me a major part of being a feminist is international solidarity with women around the world, especially in third world countries where the injustices resulting from sexual inequalities are painfully obvious: female circumcision, child prostitution and arranged marriages, dowry murders, rape, terrible wages and working conditions, little or no access to a non-corrupt legal system.

These are just a few of the crimes perpetrated against women, unchecked, and on a mass scale. Feminism is about liberation from pain and inequality for the whole of society. It is about the appreciation of the original, diverse and creative contributions both sexes can make to the advancement of humankind, without valuated economic comparisons, i.e. no "superior" or "inferior". Feminism is not about women trying to be men. It is about women trying to be women, free from the shackles of oppression and discrimination which patriarchal society has tried to bestow upon us. This is how I view feminism, and with a vision of society no longer hindered by its one-sided approach, I proudly call myself a feminist. Angie Savva - Sydney