Rethinking Modern Feminism
Manifesto (Link to Instagram)
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Manifesto (Text Form)
The feminist movement stands at a crossroads, split with internal rifts and disparities. The influence of capitalism has corrupted our cause, giving prominence to the bourgeoisie, who are predominantly white, while suppressing the voices of the proletariat. Nevertheless, we are determined not to allow capitalism or greed in general to dictate the direction of our movement. The moment has arrived to recapture feminism for everyone, placing a spotlight on those who are most severely impacted by patriarchal and capitalist structures.
In this current age of feminism, specifically in the West, we face a grave problem: unilaterality. The movement’s incohesive structure is causing the feminist campaign to lack overall legitimacy due to varying, and even downright incorrect, definitions of feminism and a lack of unity among all women and allies of the movement. Included in the myriad byproducts of this crucial divide are an anti-male sentiment that is embedded in the Western world’s perception of feminism, and a lack of politicization that the movement desperately needs.
Feminism is the advocacy for women’s rights through the equality of the sexes. It can be a source of empowerment and inclusion for all races, genders, and class levels. However, as a result of the world’s societal and cultural differences, it’s evident that many flaws must be corrected to create a united front and change the existing dominant structures that inherently support the patriarchy. One such problem is the radicalization of feminism itself, which is predominantly geared towards affluent, white women who seek to absolve their guilt or put on a front of advocacy for equality. In public discourse, particularly through a well-known show, ‘She-Hulk’, feminism has transformed from a form of support for the voiceless to a disproportionate and incorrect portrayal of extreme, anti-male propaganda in which women aspire to overpower and “destroy the right-wing patriarchy.” Lack of politicization also serves as a hindrance to the movement; as proposed by Bell Hooks, “feminism is for everybody.” and feminism must be political.
A multimodal vision of a radicalized perspective on feminism presents a dynamic framework that transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating diverse mediums of expression to amplify its message. At its core, this vision views feminism not as a monolithic ideology, but as a continually evolving discourse that demands critical engagement and active participation. Central to this perspective is the recognition that the feminist manifesto serves as more than just a declaration of principles; it is a clarion call for women to interrogate and challenge the status quo within the feminist movement itself. By urging women to scrutinize prevailing narratives and power structures, the manifesto empowers them to forge an agenda that is not only inclusive but also reflective of the complexities of women's identities and experiences. Through this process of introspection and action, feminism emerges not as a static ideology, but as a living, breathing force for social change, dedicated to securing women's rightful place and agency within society.
“It is also not enough to have women in positions of power; these women need to acknowledge how capitalism feeds into racism. Under the name of feminism, white women of economic and educational privilege have used their privilege at the expense of Third World women”
-Anais Rivero
Statement
In contemplating the multifaceted landscape of feminism through a radicalized lens, one cannot help but marvel at the sheer depth and complexity inherent in this discourse. The embrace of multimodal approaches underscores a profound understanding that feminism is not confined to academic papers or political speeches; rather, it permeates every aspect of human experience, demanding expression through various mediums. The feminist manifesto, in this context, emerges as a potent tool—a rallying cry for women to not only challenge external systems of oppression but also to engage in introspection and critique of the very movements meant to liberate them. It serves as a reminder that true progress necessitates continuous self-reflection and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths within feminist circles.
Moreover, this radicalized vision of feminism encourages women to reclaim agency over their identities and experiences, recognizing that their liberation cannot be achieved through one-size-fits-all solutions. Inviting women to actively participate in shaping the feminist agenda, fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, reaffirming that feminism is not merely a theoretical construct but a lived reality. Through this manifesto of collective introspection and action, feminism evolves from a static ideology into a dynamic force for social transformation, dedicated to securing justice and equality for all women, regardless of their diverse backgrounds and lived realities.
Our most important creative choice in the production of our manifesto was its method of presentation: numerous posts by an Instagram account. Our reasoning for this, compared to an essay or infographic, was that feminism is too widespread and ingrained in social constructs for a simpler form of media to be effective. By creating visually-appealing posts and using a platform targeted toward a vast audience (particularly younger generations), we can ensure that our messages have greater reach and therefore make a larger impact.
Each member of our team contributed to the production of this manifesto. Kaiya and Bishop were responsible for ensuring that our content contained appropriate (and fiery) language in order to attract and inspire our audience. Jason and Omar served as representatives, reminding the group of deadlines and maintaining consistent progress. Adamma, Terrence, and Kavin took charge of research, finding sources for our manifesto’s content. Adamma and Kaiya were also responsible for visual design, including publication of the Instagram posts. Finally, Maya, Bishop, and Nikita played the skeptic role, verifying our content and recommending changes whenever our message lacked its intended meaning.
Resources
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/sexist-laws-in-the-us-in-2017/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRh3UqhpLbB03Udf7cdWO15yM_Doasx4VMxrWsAkcRisIfCUddsJTZRhoCv2UQAvD_BwE
https://keough.nd.edu/the-image-and-failure-of-white-feminism/
https://www.plutobooks.com/blog/feminism-is-for-everybody-bell-hooks/#:~:text=I%20have%20wanted%20them%20to%20have%20this%20simple%20definition%20to,Theory%3A%20From%20Margin%20to%20Center.
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feminism-political/