Question Draft Two and Artifact Free Write

Part 1:
What is the relationship between the term "feminism" and the progression of women? This is the critical question on which I have settled. First and foremost, this question is certainly meaningful to me, as I have often been criticized for being "too much of a feminist," as if believing in gender equality was indicative that I would spontaneously start eating the face of every male in the room. The relationship I question here also directly concerns the larger society: the progress of women (wage equality, the political and professional gender gap, the failure to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment), respecting female icons (identify strong famous women and evaluate their views on feminism), and the status of gender roles in contemporary American culture. This could also connect to reprehensible sexism in less fortunate parts of the world (i.e., where girls are not allowed to get an education) in that, by demonstrating the remnants of sexism in America despite its advancements thus far, this country should feel obligated to lead the world by example simply because it has the resources and the proper system in which to do so. My critical question also has multiple answers, much to my dismay, insofar as clarifying and instilling the often misconstrued definition of men and women (the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men) is very likely not the panacea for gender inequality in America and certainly not across the globe. Words are very powerful and can change the nature of an issue's discussion, but only actions will invite change.The answers to my question run deeper than words and into some of the age-old linings of our social fabric. There are also a plethora of subquestions that my critical question poses: What does feminism mean to women? To men? How do famous men and women influence our society's perception of feminism? Is feminism dead? If not, then why do we need it? Etc. My question is not too broad because it addresses both a key term to reference in discussion as well as a relevant demographic. Nor is it too specific; the answers are already convoluted because of the distinction between actions and words, and the question could be framed around multiple societies. Finally, the question does not contain my value judgments. The only thing the question presumes is a relationship between feminism and the advancement of women, but I believe that anybody could perceive such a connection. For my first project, I will focus on my own frustration with being misunderstood as a feminist, and how identifying myself as a feminist colors both my views and how others view me. I also THINK that I will use a powerful woman in the media as my artifact and connect her views on feminism with my own and of those around me. For my second project, I am considering an interview of some sort with a professor in UNL's Women and Gender Studies Program, preferably one who is well-versed in the widely held perceptions of women in our society today. And I believe that my third project will aim to emphasize the importance of finishing the job of gender equality at home in order to set an example for actually starting the many necessary jobs abroad.

Part 2: Artifacts

1) my Hillary Clinton nutcracker
2) Beyoncé
3) the poor old Equal Rights Amendment
4) a power suit and heels
5) a tampon
6) Malala Yousafzai
7) Taylor Swift
8) a burning bra (associated with the 1960s women's rights movement)
9) the "Meninist" Twitter account meme
10) Miley Cyrus

What feminism means to me is properly explained with reference to the cultural artifact of a tampon. The convoluted controversy over the meaning and necessity of feminism is fueled in part by the notion that America in 2015 is the best it’s ever been for women, and is therefore good enough to throw in the towel of social change. A tampon sitting out in broad daylight is an elephant in the room, an object that incites shame about a biological fact experienced by over half of the United States population. Of course, I cannot even fathom being a woman before the invention of the tampon, and I am genuinely grateful that menstrual innovation has come so far. But why are strong, outspoken women too often dismissed as "probably on their period"? It seems as if the taboo of an unconcealed tampon represents a difference and a misunderstanding between men and women. The female reproductive reality manifests a deep-seated societal explanation for women who refuse to sit back politely, "like a lady." Take a tampon out of your purse, unabashed, and you're merely offering a justification for your unladylike behavior.

Why, when emphatic women are crossed, is it so easy to see her as an "ice queen" or PMSing or menopausal or, to put it quite frankly, as a "bitch"? If it is so difficult to respect rather than attack women who refuse to sit on the sidelines with their legs crossed, then imagine how comparably reserved women feel. Well, they’re probably not going into politics where they are desperately needed, and they’re definitely not going to run for president. And in this instance, the progression of women is hindered because the burden is often placed on women to fill the political gender gap themselves, which allegedly exists because not enough women run for office. 

I have participated in many heated political debates, especially with respect to women’s rights. When I appear too invested, the guys don’t counter with an argument; they tell me to calm down, as if I’m an emotionally unstable maniac who may spontaneously combust. Afterwards, I don’t feel ashamed so much as dejected, like my passion for equality is lost in translation. It makes me feel… like a lost, misunderstood tampon.