Small moments in feminism make a difference too

On my first night of class this semester my classmates and I were discussing teaching techniques (for a graduate class on how to be a successful professor).  One student shared his experience in a women's history class.  He explained that he was one of the few men in the class and felt as though the "feminists" of the class were rallying for a semester of men-bashing.  He went on to explain how the professor handled the situation. 

It was one of those moments were I had an internal debate about whether or not to respond to this skewed perspective of feminism.  I decided I couldn't let the moment pass, so I spoke up and explained that feminism is not about men-bashing.  Feminism is advocating for equality for all people.  I felt a variety of responses from my classmates, both positive and negative.

A couple of weeks later a woman in the class brought up the incident and told me she appreciated my speaking up.  Since then she has regularly sought out discussions about feminism with me.  Tonight she told me that she has conservative family members that send her information from a conservative women's group.  She has since gone to the NOW website and sent them some feminist information in response.

I share this because I truly believe that, in addition to our large actions, protests and press conferences, small moments like this one allow for consciousness raising and shifts in perception.  Each time we take advantage of these moments we create in our communities a greater awareness and a growing dialog about how feminism impacts all of us.

As you go about your daily lives remember to take advantage of the small moments too.  Sometimes these interactions can be the most rewarding of all.   

Comments

[norcal]

TRUE feminists aren’t men bashers and realize that some women can hold back progress in feminist issues just as much as men. However, there are a lot of women who gather under the premise or flag of feminism, and do end up in a men bashing session. It’s a shame when that happens because it doesn’t serve true feminists well. It makes men and women think that feminists are ‘anti-men’. When in fact true feminists are simply pro-women and seek to bring enlightened progressive men into the mix to help advance the cause, not bash and exclude them. I could see a college class setting potentially turning into a men bashing session if the professor isn’t teaching and guiding the conversation towards true feminism.

I do agree that it’s the little everyday conversations that will turn the tide. Rallies and speeches are great, but until the one-on-one conversations to change attitudes happens, progress will be hampered. It’s going to be one guy telling another a sexist comment isn’t cool. It’s going to be a sister telling her jerk brother to behave. It’s going to be the woman talking to her female friends about life situations and giving advice to not accept or settle for anything less than equality. It’s going to be families raising daughters to expect equality, and sons to respect women as their equals. Minds aren’t often changed with a speech. They’re usually changed behind closed doors and in informative conversations with those we respect.