Call Me Esperanza

Pronouns her/she. Junior at UIC and majoring in Communications. I want to become more knowledgeable about the world P.s I love food.

[lgbtcommunityinmexico-blog]

2nd Post

Mexico is No. 2 for homophobic crimes

Over 1,000 homicides have been recorded over 19 years

 115  2Mexico News Daily | Monday, May 18, 2015

While there are outward indications that homosexuals are winning broader acceptance in Mexico, as in other Latin American countries, some statistics show a different picture.

Figures released on the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia, marked yesterday, rank Mexico as the second worst country worldwide for homophobic crimes, after Brazil.

In the last 19 years there have been 1,218 homicides with homophobic undertones in Mexico, although estimations are that for every reported crime there are three or four more that go unreported, says the Citizens’ Commission Against Homophobic Hate Crimes in its latest report.

According to the document, the largest group of victims are men, with 976 murders, followed by those identified as transgender with 226 reported cases. Of women there were only 16 cases but it is believed that the murder of lesbian women is usually under-reported, as most cases are labeled broadly as femicides.

The report also shows that the number of homophobic murders has been increasing since 2005, which corresponds with greater public visibility gained since then by homosexuals and trangender people.

But as with much crime in Mexico, impunity and other issues are a factor.

These crimes are at risk of being made invisible  by the “violence, impunity, and corruption” with which they are investigated, the report continues.

An example is the case of Óscar Manuel Ramírez Siordia, 27, who has spent almost five years in prison for the murder of his partner.

On July 7, 2010, Ramírez Siordia found the dead body of his boyfriend, Jacobo, on their bedroom floor. He immediately called the police.

A few days later, Ramírez Siordia was formally arrested for first-degree murder. Even after a 19-year-old man confessed of murdering Jacobo, Ramírez Siordia was sentenced to 27 years and six months in prison.

Jacobo’s death may not fall into the category of homophobic crimes, but the whole case has a discriminatory bias, as the crime was immediately labeled as a “crime of passion” due to the sexual orientation of those involved and, according to the accused’s defense, the judges issued the sentence with homophobic prejudices.

A group of lawyers is currently waiting for the courts to review an injunction request, considering that Ramírez Siordia’s right to a fair trial, to the presumption of innocence and to non-discrimination on grounds of his sexual orientation were violated.

Source: Sin Embargo (sp), NotieSe (sp)

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/mexico-no-2-for-homophobic-crimes/#sthash.BtowbwRH.dpuf

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This article talks about the homophobia in Mexico and tells us how there is a number of crimes related to homophobia and how the government and the police could cover other homicides as something else instead of homophobic. Also it tells us the story of a gay couple. One was murder in their apartment and the other one was accused of that murder and is in jail even when someone else confessed to the murder. The murder was not categorized as homophobic even thought everything indicates that it was. 

I completely agree with the assumption that the there are a lot of crimes in Mexico that don’t get categorized under homophobic crimes and that there are many more crimes involving homophobia in the country. The justice in Mexico is also very corrupt so it is very easy to blame someone for the crime he/she/they didn’t commit. I no not disagree with anything in this article. 

The questions that should be ask are; What can the Mexican people do to stop the crimes against LGBTQ members? and that will be we can get informed and inform other people about this community, to stop the myths about them and know that they are human beings like everyone else and that they are not less than anyone. How can we stop the government from covering homophobic crimes and from blaming innocent people just because of their sexual orientation? To do this the right person needs to be in power, a person that really understands sexual orientation and that is willing to make conscious about the beautiful LBGTQ community. 

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

The LGBTQ community is judged a lot in the Central America area, but is often kept quiet. The crimes are high in Mexico, and many people blame the drug gangs and mobs for death. Not to sound uneducated, but I was not aware of the homophobic crimes in Mexico because I never heard of them. I have family in Guatemala who are gay but refuse to come out as gay because they know they might get killed, but there should be no reason for people to fear their life when they want to be free in their sexual orientation. I found It beautiful how there are organizations that stand up for the LGBTQ community in Mexico. It is not fair that it is seem unacceptable to society when they only thing that should be unacceptable to the violence.

[lopezfour4-blog]

9th Post: Suggested Solutions to the Gender Wage Gap 

1. Raise Minimum Wage: My first solution to the gender wage gap between Latina women and men would be for the minimum wage to increase. As a consequence, Latina women would earn more per hour, causing them to better support their families. Even though there’s still a possibility (not guaranteed) of men getting paid more than women after the minimum wage has increased, Latina women would get paid more than what they were getting paid before. In the end, Latina women would still benefit from this possible solution because they would earn more than before. 

2. Flexible Schedules: My second solution to the gender wage gap is that employers should be flexible with schedules. In other words, employers should allow and consider women's’ availability. As a result, women (mothers) are not restricted from working certain hours at work due to their children. For most working mothers, their children are the reason why they are not able to work as much as men do, causing them to work less hours and to earn less. For that reason, I strongly believe that employers should be flexible with schedules so that women could work more hours than what they were scheduled for before.

3. Raised Tipped Minimum Wage: My last potential solution to alleviate/reduce the gender wage gap between Latina women and men is that the tipped wage should be increased. If so were to happen, Latina women would earn a little extra every day, causing a difference in their earned pay. After doing some research, I discovered that a high percentage of Latina women work in food services. In other words, a high number of Latina women are employed in restaurants where they are tipped. Moreover, if the tipped minimum wage was raised, Latina women would benefit from this particular change as well.

The three suggested solutions above are potential solutions that can help Latina women earn a better pay than what they earn at the moment. Any little beneficial change can help Latina women better support their family. Of course, the solutions that I listed above will not eradicate the problem, but they are a start to helping Latina women with their earned pay. 

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

This is the first time I ever heard for the minimum waged to increase because of the gender wage gap. And it does make sense. Since lower class women make less, raising the minimum wage will not only help out the women, but it also means that men are going to make more than they should. However, women will be able to support their families, if they need to, and benefit from the increase. What is going to be hard making schedules flexible because some people prefer the regular 9-5, five days a week job. Also, I used to be a waitress last summer and the tips was something I lived on since the pay was not the best. I believe that raising the tip waged will benefit waitresses/ waiters more, but some people prefer not to tip at all, so that can be a slippery slope for this.

[odaval1108-blog]

3rd post- Analysis of scholarly source

Sexual Harassment happens most often at the workplace. Now a day the ones who are in charge of sexual harassment cases have been human resource managers, sexual harassment officers, and someone who makes people come in agreement.  “Legal Factors, Extra-Legal Factors, or Changes in the Law? Using Criminal Justice Research to Understand the Resolution of Sexual Harassment Complaints” by Sandy Welsh, Myrna Dawson, and Annette Nierobisz goes on about how sexual harassment complaints at work are handled. 267 complaints from the Canadian Human Rights Commissions were the ones that were examined for this research.

One of the factors examined was the plaintiffs race, gender, and economic status have an influence in the decision making. Human rights plays a big role in decision making for women who have experienced sexual harassment at work. Furthermore, three factors that were captured was whether the complainant experienced a certain type of harassment severity, psychological distress, or loss of employment when the complaint was filed. This is important because it helps measure the seriousness of the offense. For an offense to be considered as sexual harassment it has to be proven that it was an action that unwanted.

One of the ways it could be proven is by having psychological distress. Another way is by finding out if there have been any other complaints from the same company, because if there were more filed complaints it was known to be a serious matter. These jobs were assigned values. The more complaints an organization had, bigger the chance of the complainant had of wining in their favor. Most of the times that women experience sexual harassment at work they either quit their job, take a vacation, move to another office/ department, get fired, and others are forced to resign.

1.) I agreed with this article was the way how they said some cases are run. If there have sexual harassments complaints filed before from the same company, it should definitely be a win for the complainant. And as this keeps on happening, there should be some values given to them to follow.

2.) I disagree that sexual harassment that happens outside of the workplace is not important because it didn’t happen at work. I feel that companies should take these complaints into account even thought it didn’t happen at work because it involves the people that work for them so it would be nice of them to care, and if its not ignored it could continue on with other women, and maybe soon it could be done in the workplace.

3.) One question that I have about justice on the basis of gender is if it’s legal to force women to quit their job due to their sexual harassment complaint against their company?I don’t think it’s fair that women have been fired, and some have been forced to quit. Nobody asks to be sexually harassed. All companies care about is their companies’ reputation.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

This was upsetting to read because first, sometimes people who are victims do not know how to fight back or do not know who to tell. Secondly, there are not enough filed complaints so it makes it seem like this does not happen as often as it actually does. Most women believe that moving away from the problem will make everything better and it does not. Sexual harassment can happen in and out of the workplace. People need to be more educated when it comes to this because some people think some women just make it up to move up in the job or receive money. Personally, I agree with you that women should not be fired because of this. It's unacceptable.

[streetharassmentgws-blog]

Suggested Solutions to the Problem

Enforcing Laws to Prohibit Street Harassment

Politics should get involved. Making laws that make street harassment a crime will make men realize that what they are doing to women is not right and has consequences. Otherwise, men will never know that they are doing wrong by talking in a vulgar manner to women.

Giving Adolescents Knowledge

Students deserve to know what street harassment is and what it consists of. Boys need to learn at an early age that whistling at a woman is disrespectful and should learn to respect woman. If they do not have that type of education at home, they will at school. This is also beneficial for girls to know that this is not right and they should not put up with it. Some women, today, feel that there is nothing wrong with this because it seems normal to them. We need to change this. Also, in adolescence, boys and girls are learning and forming their identity and whom they want to become; let them become and begin a new society for the future.

Using the Power of Words

Spreading Awareness about the subject will also let people know that street harassment should not be permitted. Some people, as I have already mentioned, do not think this is a wrong thing to do. Some, even, feel as if “hey mami” was a compliment and make them feel good. In reality, it is a sign of disrespect towards women. If women know about this, they can finally be brave enough to say something, which brings me to my next point.

Being Brave

When the moment comes, stop the harasser and correct him. It may be a dangerous move because it may lead to something more than harassment, but letting them know that street harassment is not right can have an impact on them. Many women pass by and ignore the comment because they do not want to deal with the man or problem. What does that do? It allows for the man to continue making such comments to the next woman that passes by. Saying something back is worthy and beneficial. Ladies, speak up for yourselves!

This goes for men too. Men, if you see this happening, be the better man and speak up.

-YO

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

When a person is being street harassed, I feel like these steps are a major step to stopping it from continuing. Giving knowledge, using your voice, and being brave can be a big step to stop it; however, enforcing the law may be difficult depending on the person. Sometimes, many assume that people enjoy being harassed and them begin to question the appearance of the victim. Also, some may say that they were just trying to be nice when we know that it was not true. Being disrespected just by the way you look hurts more than anything. So far, get suggestions to solve the problem.

[girlwithswag7]

This semester I have learned a lot! Most importantly I have learned the definition of feminism. I never knew what it truly meant until I took this class.I learned that you should pay attention to the pronouns people prefer to use. I learned so many issues that I never knew where issues. Like I didn’t realize people had a white savor complex and it made me rethink wanting to go over seas to “save people.” My roommate kept telling me to take a GWS class so I did and I’m really happy I did. I wasn’t educated in a lot of things and now I’m more cautious of more social issues and realize I still have a lot to learn.

After this class i will continue in feminist struggle by taking more classes. I love listening to discussions it always gives you a different perspective. I will also go to panels. Also I know people who have only heard the negative perceptions of feminism and before I didn’t know what feminism really was so I couldn’t defend it but now I can educate them and maybe make them realize feminism is for everyone.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

Yes! I agree that it is important to educate those who still have trouble understanding the term feminism. While many tried to avoid learning, those who do learn about feminism become more cautious with social issues and problems that surround them too. Personally, I was scared to take this course because people were not for what the course taught. However, now I know that they just were not educated on what a Gender and Women Studies teaches. I also agree on the panels! I should have gone to more but they were all bad timing!

[miss-andrist-gws]

REFLECTION 

This past semester, GWS 101 was my favorite class! I’ve had a lot of fun learning new topics and discussing them with my classmates. In this class I’ve learned about myself and more about feminist ideas. My favorite to learn about was intersectionality. I had never heard that term before this class and I enjoyed learning about how connected everything is and how working together is better than trying to fight each other and play the Oppression Olympics.

This class has helped change my opinion of the world because I now notice the little things that add to the oppression of people in myself and others. It’s also been reinforced because I feel more passionate about my beliefs and working towards a world where everyone is equal. Being a feminist is a struggle but this class showed me that I am not alone in that struggle. So I no longer care what anyone thinks, I will continue to go on my feminist rants and spread the word as much as I can. I also recently joined a sorority that is focused on the advancement of women, we work to keep the conversation going and I can’t wait to get more involved on campus next year with this as well.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

I loved how you would always speak your opinion in class! Yes, I too feel more passionate about my beliefs and plan to become more involved next semester as well of the rest of my college year. What was best about this class what that we were given to opportunity to grow with emotionally and mentally. I too feel that i am able to do more because I think know that my opinion does matter and by continuing to voice my thoughts, nothing can make me feel less anymore.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

    At first, I did not know what to expect when it came to taking the course. I heard from many people who did take this course that it was a really hard class only because they spoke so much of what happens in everyday life that many become blind to. So I took this course because I wanted to know what they meant by that and also to gain knowledge about the LGBT community and feminism. Taking this course I learned more than I had expected. I learned more in the class discussions than just reading the articles. The articles were informative because I never heard about many topics like the truck drivers harassing women and how many women were affected by the wage gap. It is important to learn these topics because I was a bit closed minded when it came to people talking about the wage gap. I remember working at my old job and wondering why I got paid less than my friend, who started months after I did, and why he got a bigger raise than I did when we worked at the same department. After reading that article I finally understood why it happened.      Now, after reading and discussing authors like Bell Hooks and Gloria Azaldua, I feel that I am able to tell others when they question what it means to be a feminist. Also, I learned that it is important to educate others even if they feel like you are wrong. My boyfriend and I always have debates on topics surrounding the women movement and he always seems to win because I never have sources to back up my claims. Now, I will be able to back up my claims and he will finally stay quite (he’s a feminist too, but he like to have debates to become more open minded).      Overall, I am happy I took this course and even though I am not majoring in Gender and Woman studies, I will take GWS classes in the future because I enjoyed learning about the community and culture around me. Mostly importantly, I have learned that my opinions do matter and never to stay quiet when I am asked about a certain topic. 

[kasiakoisuic-blog]

Me (on the left) sorry no updated selfies.

Hello class of GWS101! My pronouns are: she/her/herself. this is my second semester at UIC, transferring from a community college. My major is French Education, but recently I’ve decided that I’m going to teach English abroad. (most likely Asia.) I love everything about Foreign Languages and I love meeting people who speak another language other than English. I’m really excited to learn more in this class so that I can keep on educating others outside of this class.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

Hello Kasia! You are the first person I met who is majoring in French Education. I took french when i was younger and always wished to continue taking the course!

[cynjay-blog1]

Hey! My name is Cynthia and I am a first year student at UIC. My preferred pronouns are she/her/hers. I am planning on double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. My plan is to go into law enforcement and to move my way up. I don’t want to stuck as a cop forever. I am hoping to get a better understanding on feminism and the problems that people face within the LGBT community. I want to learn more about the history behind it and what other peoples opinions are on the topic. I am a 19-year-old English and semi-Spanish speaking Latina, and don’t be afraid to talk or reach out to me.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

Hey, Cyn! I know i already meet you but i had no idea you were a double major which i find really cool! Also, that is why i signed for this course to learn about problems people face in the LGBT community. :) Glad i got to know you thus far!

[1011499sd-blog]

6th Post: Trans Health Panel

Transgender and Gender Variant Health Panel

The reason why I decided to go to this event was because I am a Public Health major and Gender and Women’s studies minor so it seemed like a perfect intersection of both my studies. I also helped out Professor Chu by filming the event so I was there a few minutes early to set up my camera. The panel of this event consisted of five diverse professionals in transgender and gender variant health. The questions asked were thought provoking and even created differing opinions amongst the panelists (which is always a good thing.) It was extremely insightful in regards to learning what trans health means and how it works or should work. As a student that in the future wants to be in the medical field, this discussion was helpful in bridging medical knowledge with trans and gender variant knowledge. 

The first and I believe the most important thing I learned is what Trans health is. As many of the panelists concluded, Trans health is everything. Trans health means physical well being, health insurance, mental health, access to medication, access to additional health resources etc. Everything that any human being needs to be healthy is Trans health. As one of the panelists Caprice Carthans said, a trans patient is a full person not a one issue person. The second thing I learned was that one of the major challenges facing trans health in the United States is health insurance policy. Most health insurance companies do not cover crucial hormones trans people need. Medical coding that is sent to insurance companies also needs advancement. The medical code needed by insurance companies to cover hormones is currently classified under “endocrine disorder” which is incorrect as trans people do not have endocrine disorders that cause them to need hormones. The last thing I learned was most helpful to my current situation as a public health student and hospital volunteer. That is, in general how to treat trans patients and make them feel included and comfortable. This could be as simple as using that patient’s correct pronouns to as ”complicated” as hiring trans and LGBTQ+ people from the community. Having printed and digital media that include trans people allows for trans people to feel as though they can relate and are not out of the ordinary and are included. These things are not formally taught to most health professionals so it is important to teach other medical professionals to do the same.

event flyer: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12784237/GWS%20294%20Spring%202016/Trans%20Health%20Panel%20Flyer.pdf

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

I’m glad you were able to go to the trans health panel because I was hoping someone wrote their 6th post on it. It actually the most important thing to be able to make sure the client feels comfortable that they can talk to someone about their body without feeling judge. In the medical field, people who identify themselves as transgender are usually seen has having a disorder problem, which i saw that you got the name of it “endocrine disorder”, and it makes them feel as outsiders. I feel that is is important not to use different or harsh words just because of the hormones they want to chose to have. Overall, the panel seemed very informative. I wish i would have went!

[a-ana-castillo-blog]

The event that I attended was the screening of “HerStory”, a film by transgender women about their struggles and daily life told in short clips. They were based on real situations that these women have faced and how they have managed to deal with them. The story begins with Allie a journalist who is interested in writing an article about transgender women and approaches Jenna, a transgender waitress. At first Jenna didn’t want to take part it in, but she later agreed to have an interview. We also see the story of Angelica, a lawyer and Jenna’s best friend, and how she does not lose hope in finding a significant other who will love her for who she is. Throughout the story all the characters have some difficulty with their identity and how the relationships they encounter challenge them, as well as stereotypical beliefs that create obstacles for them. Jenna and Allie slowly start to develop feelings for each other , but are somewhat reluctant to admit it because it questions who they are, and they also deal with Mark, Jenna’s abusive “boyfriend”. Angelica starts a relationship, but decides to not tell the man everything about herself until she feels likes she can trust him. The story escalates when Jenna is hit by Mark and refuses to let Allie call the police for fear that they will laugh at her; while Angelica’s case is scrutinized by Allie’s friend disclosing about her sex. In the last clip we see how Jenna has the courage to leave Mark, and Angelica’s boyfriend accepts who she is.

I really enjoyed this film because it allowed me to learn about something that I wasn’t really familiar with and didn’t know how to approach the subject. In the clip when Allie interviews Jenna she starts out with questions that come across as weird if you asked them. I also thought that it shows how transgender women feel and what they go through because it makes you see what their life. During the discussion Angelica said that she felt like this truly shows their daily lives talking about normal things like anyone else, and I think that’s what people need to see. During the discussion they also said how in Hollywood they wouldn’t show this because it does not fit with what they think “transgender women” are. They said they have even turned down from roles because they didn’t look “transgendered” enough, like Fawzi said “They didn’t look themselves enough”. The discussion was the most enjoyable to me because it really felt like we were just having a conversation because they touched on topics that made them laugh and more deep and emotional topics like Jenna’s struggle with drugs. They demonstrated solidarity both in the discussion and in the film, they even said that it was about sharing differences and using them to achieve a common goal. I think that the clips and the discussion were very life-changing and you witness the different lives of a transgender woman who is able to live through the hardships and make them something beneficial to everyone like Angelica, but you also see the effects that judgemental environments have on a person like Jenna. But they are both able to take those different approaches and create something that is beneficial and make people see the reality of their lives, as well as providing something that people can relate to within the LGBT community.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

I was there was well and loved the movie. What was more amazing was how comfortable they actually were during the Q&A. Yeah, Jenna was more affected with the movie because you can see how the abuse part of the movie got to her and it was more personal for her. Also, how she was honest about her addicting and how she knows its so bad for her, but her friend, Angelica, is always there for her (like in the movie too).  Like you had mentioned they demonstrated solidarity in the discussion and film which made me feel more comfortable watching the movie. 

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

Event Post-- Her Story The event was more than perfect. It began with the movie, there were 10 mins episodes and 5 total, and ended with a discussion with the actors from the movie. First of all, the movie was beyond amazing. There was so much emotion put in it and the actors did an amazing job. The discussion was personal and it was the moment where the actors were able to connect with the audience. I loved how funny everyone was but most importantly they were welcoming. There was a girl who made a comment to them that I felt connected to. She said she knew she would never experience what the women went through, but understanding what they went through and being open minded is what matters the most. I personally never really thought about how hard it is for people who identify themselves as transgender to have a regular life when there's other people who think so negatively about what it means to be transgender. It is important to educate others because just like everyone else, they are people too. Most of the reasons why transgender people commit suicide is because they feel rejected by society and it shouldn't have to be that way. I loved the discussion so much. I wished I would have recorded it. These actors are amazing people as well. It was great to see them explain how they were related to whom the played on the movie.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

New blog

http://letsbeequaltogether.tumblr.com/ :)

[a-ana-castillo-blog]

Anzaldúa, Gloria. “Speaking in Tongues: A Letter to 3rd World Women Writers.” This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color 2nd ed. Eds. Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa

In Anzaldúa‘s letter to 3rd world women writers she addresses the importance of writing to her, but also to all women. She explains how women of color and other minority women face dangers that are different than those of white women and it is because of the obstacles that women of color face. The lack of understanding and the unwillingness to be understood by men and white women is what oppresses them and what extinguishes the spirit of wanting to write and be heard. Anzaldua explains how places of higher education have often belittled her and other people due to their minority status. To her writing is a way to create a world in which she is accepted where she creates whatever she wants without limited to the standards of what is considered the “norm.”

Anzaldua’s letter speaks about the injustices that surround women and writing. It reminded me a lot of my mom and how when she was young she wasn’t allowed to go to school because my grandma thought that it was a waste of time, but my mom went regardless of what her mother thought. Another way it reminded me of my mom is the way that Anzaldua writes in Spanish and the ideas she represents on how women of color are usually addressed due to their physical appearance. Some of the quotes that stood out to me were “Yet, in that very act lies our survival because a woman who writes has power. And a woman with power is feared” because it reminded me of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. She was a self-taught scholar of the 17th century who decided to become a nun so she would be able to pursue her education. She had many works including poetry at a time where a woman like this would be prosecuted for her intelligence.

Another quote was “Many have a way with words. They label themselves seers but they will not see. Many have the gift of tongue but nothing to say. Do not listen to them. Many who have words and tongue have no ear, they cannot listen and they will  not hear.” This basically sums up what she is trying to say in her letter that those who speak do not always say what they should and they lack the desire to understand those who do not have the opportunity to be heard.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

I like how you related this to your mother because it is true. Anzaldua writes like the Chuck Norris of woman’s literature because she says the truth. There is injustice in woman’s writing and it is being walked passed by. Many who are the quietest are often the ones who have the most to say which is true. 

[1011499sd-blog]

4th Blog Post: Gender Wage Gap

Baxter, Emily. “What Occupational Data Show about the Causes of the Gender Wage Gap.” Center for American Progress. 14 April 2015. Web. 11 Jan. 2016. 

In Emily Baxter’s article on the Gender Wage Gap, she starts off by talking about the hidden reasons behind the wage gap between men and women in the U.S. On average working women earn 78 cents to every dollar a man earns. Some reasons why this happens is because women hold jobs for shorter periods of time than men and women work in lower paying jobs. But the hidden reasons behind the wage gap Baxter talks about are gender discrimination and socialization. Women work less time than men because of household responsibilities society expects them to prioritize. Gender norms and roles also come into play when women don’t hold higher paying positions because those jobs are not typically “for women.” As a result of this there is “gendered occupational segregation” meaning certain industries are dominated by men leaving certain industries to be dominated by women. Baxter says it is important to educate and encourage women to seek out higher paying positions even though they are not considered feminine jobs. Changing policies that hinder women’s ability to earn fair wages, hold jobs for a longer period of time and while still caring for their families is also part of the solution.

The reason why I personally connect to this article is because I am pursuing a career in the healthcare field where men are often paid more than women. Everyday I am more concerned that when I do have a career as a physician, I won’t earn the same amount of money as a male counterpart for the same work. Although allied health positions such as medical assistants, nurses, home health aides and therapists are considered “women’s work”, the position of a doctor is usually considered a male occupation. This article proves that gender, gender roles and norms all have an effect on our work lives. What is important about this specific article is that Baxter talks about the “hidden” causes of the wage gap. Usually when we think about gender discrimination its in the form of more obvious discrimination such as street harassment but we don’t think of underlying forms of discrimination like the gender wage gap. Hopefully other people learn that the wage gap exists even though it is not always obvious to the eye and that there are things we can do to change it. 

[a-ana-castillo-blog]

I really liked this reading because I think it explains the reason for the wage gap really well. I had not notices how women and men were encouraged pursue different career choices and I think that is the key problem for the wage gap. So I agree with what you said about the article and the issues that it has for everyone that is pursuing any kind of career.

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

This is true. It is something that many people do not have a problem with but honestly, it is sad. People can do the same amount of work and the woman many still get paid less. This article was eye opening for me because I did not understand why someone I knew got paid less than their husband did, and both worked about the same jobs. You’re right. We should educate those that do not see this problem. 

[joyfullyprofoundbunny-blog]

FOURTH BLOG POST

In Logan’s essay she speaks about the horror in street harassment that many people go through. She begins with stories of victims who have unfortunately been through rough experiences due to the street harassment leading to worse things. Logan later clears up the conclusion that many people have narrow definitions of street harassment that some say how it is the men who harasses women in the workplace or public space which is not all true.  She explains how street harassment is better when it is defined for people of all groups who are actually victims and not just women. When it comes to street harassment, I feel that many people have been victims. Some people do not understand that it is an actual problem that goes around every day. Yes, some people are nice and want to say have a good day, but there is a space that some people do not know that they are crossing. In the article, it says many have been street harassed before the legal age of adult which I believe is true. When I was younger, I was cat-called more often and I did not understand why. It is something that is overly common but should not be, no one should feel so upset in their own comfort zone.

[niceinclass101-blog]

GROUP4

Topic 1: Silence is Oppression

    Based on the first reading in this section, it is evident that women of colors’ writings are not being taken as seriously, sometimes not even tried to be understood, as the writings of white men. Gloria talks about the schools (Latina’s did/didn’t attend) that did not teach them the skills nor have  the confidence to succeed in English language. Migrating to the U.S not knowing the language made teachers assume that these students are not capable of learning English. She refers to racist teachers thinking that Chicano children are “too poor, too dirty, too dumb” (166) because of this, these Chicano students are feeling like they have to “scrape off” their entire culture, their skin color, their heritage, to make it in this English speaking, right-handed nation. They’re feeling like their words are worthless., like they are dumb, and can’t compare to white people. The oppression on them is holding back most of their voices and feelings, everything they want to say is not being said. Gloria writes out her emotions, her thoughts on how they are being treated. This can often lead to internalized oppression, as when Gloria was thinking to herself, “Who am I, a poor Chicana from the sticks, to think I can write? How dare I…” (166)

Feminism (according to Hooks), is the struggle to oppression against gender.  This topic relates to feminism because the voices of women, especially women of color, are being oppressed. Their words and feelings are being shut out, their not being heard by others.

Topic 2: Asian American Feminism

    Nellie Wong writes a letter to herself in which she searches within herself a hero. She asks herself question on who she is, and questioning her own identity. She talks about identifying as an Asian American feminist, what it is and how it’s like, and how she writes about self-affirming love as an Asian American struggling.

Though Asian American feminism is embraced, their feminists are not. Their writings and works are shared, but recognizing women like Wakako Yamaguchi, Jade Snow Wong, or Maxine Hong Kingston as role models is constantly denied. Wong says it’s because Asian American experiences are not white experiences (178). However, white women assimilate their experiences to themselves, cutting out their own destiny from the Asian American stories, ignoring their voices. Wong continues, saying that if Asian American women talk too much about their “woes”, they would be charged with being “too personal” (178). This relates to gendered oppression because Asians Americans are also silenced, and are forgotten minorities.

Today, Asian Americans, especially Asian American feminists, are still often ignored. Since they are regarded as the model minority, and are the closest to being equal to white people in some terms such as equal pay, people often write off their own struggles as not being a struggle at all. But they are just as ignored as other people of color.

Topic 3: Prejudice/Stereotypes

    Gloria Anzaldua is a Chicana writer, which has not always been accepted or respected. She titled her piece “Speaking in Tongues”, which has an underlying message. This is used to portray the idea that women of color are misunderstood, often labeled as outcasts. There has been a misconception developed that they are simpleminded and incapable of doing what white women do. It has been depicted that white women are superior and that women of color are expected to “adapt to their language and expectations” (167). Women of color are victims of scrutiny and pressure when they decide to take part in things that were once controlled by white women. They are expected to fail. Once they put their minds to it, and do it successfully, they become feared. This causes the desire for their failure to become even greater. Gloria’s writing sets an example of defying the odds and showing what women of color are made of despite preconceptions.

Topic 4: Identity

    In “speaking in tongues”, Gloria discusses how women of color have been dissuaded from speaking up through writing. She continually encourages Third world women to write as this is the only way to separate themselves from certain stereotypes and identify as one strong group who can change the world through writing. She states, “Because the world I create in writing compensates for what the real world does not give me” (169). The real world does not give women of color the chance to identify who they are or want they want to become.

    Connecting back to the previous slide about oppression, Gloria recalls that women of color  do not write because they are scared of what writing could reveal: the oppression that keeps them silenced.  In today’s society, what Gloria talks about can be seen and experienced through racism, sexism, and any other form of oppression that keeps minority groups from speaking up or becoming proud of their identity. Half way through the reading, Gloria mentions the importance of writing and the benefits women of color could reap out of it.

“I have never seen so much power in the ability to move or transform others as from that of the writing of women of color” (172). This quote really stands out as it empowers women of color to speak up through writing.  And through writing, they can make a difference because they are just as able.  

Many have questioned their identity as woman. In Search of the Self As Hero: Confetti of voices on New Year’s Night, the author begins to ask herself questions that not only identify her as an Asian American Feminist, but also a woman who has expectations in society.  “You desire freedom, total freedom, you ask, does it mean you must die?” (179). She talks about how people have questions against all the problems with people oppressing other people, but nobody does anything because it is impossible to do so in a world where only physical and economic things matter. Finds the beauty of struggle in feminism “…working for the equality and humanity of women and men, for children, for the love that is possible” (180). And in the end, all the work she does, all the help she gives, all the times she has challenged herself, all the movements she tried to build, and sharing whatever she has with her kids and people, pays off because as a strong woman, she will never give up on the desire to help order in the chaotic world she lives in.

Topic 5: Gender Roles/Gender Assignment

    Gender roles are engraved in our existence since the beginning of humanity, and the roles have been amplified even more since the establishment of god’s and goddesses. We see an example of this in “Chicana’s Feminist Literature: A Re-Vision Through Malintzin/or Malintzin: Putting Flesh Back on the Object” by Norma Alarcón.  When we are introduced to the goddess, Meletzin - an Aztec noble woman who served as the lover to Cortes, she was known by the men as the “mother-whore and the bearer of illegitimate children, responsible for the Spanish invasion.” The story of Meletzin was passed down from generations, and she was in a way the symbol for women(not a positive one), which generated a hatred from men towards women. “Sexual possibilities: woman is sexually passive, and Hence at all times open to potential use by men whether it be deduction or rape.” All things women do even if they desire it or not is considered her weakness and she’s being exploited. Through Feminism you can say we are the ones who accept distortions mythic and historical feminism decides what really reflects women. This relates to feminism in that as women, we try to find various ways to seek for freedom and equality and yet our intentions are being mislabeled. Therefore causing us to become more vulnerable and subjected to the negative stereotypes as imposed upon us by society.   

Works Cited

Anzaldúa, Gloria. “Speaking in Tongues: A Letter to 3rd World Women Writers.” This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color 2nd ed. Eds. Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa. New York: Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, 1983. 165-173.

“Chicana’s Feminist Literature: A Re-Vision Through Malintzin/or Malintzin: Putting Flesh

Back on the Object” by Norma Alarcón.  

Link to powerpoint- https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1laevPA3_xyUwPC35wi3kxDBVz3NtCD3FiOsB6IcZfLM/edit#slide=id.g11d9980e17_1_0

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