I have been influenced by many people in my life. As a young girl, growing up I often looked to female figures in the media for inspiration on things like fashion and lifestyle. One women that has really inspired me is Emma Watson. She is not only talented and focused but she has made her success through being the queen of multitasking. She is a Brown University graduate, an actress, political figure and an ambassador for the “Heforshe” campaign which is a platform to draw global attention to gender equality.
Watson’s unrelenting pursuit for gender equality in the past few years has gained her plenty of responsiveness, good and bad. In her famous speech at the UN something in New York she talks to the audience about how unfortunate it is that so many people relate the word feminist to a woman who is bossy, outspoken, or whinny about not being paid the same as men. When in reality there are legitimate concerns of equality for women in this country and abroad. She goes on to say that gender equality goes much deeper. The definition of feminism is “The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” Women’s rights does not equal man hating,
She teaches that gender is on a spectrum rather than two separate ideals. This means that men and women will one day not have to fit into a box of ideals that are stereotypical to their gender. Men can be sensitive and women can be strong.
Watson’s speeches have impacted me greatly since I watched them. I learned that if there is something that I want to change, then I have to be the one to take action to change it. . She asks the audience if they hear any truth to these 7 “I am willing” statements. These are, I am willing to be seen, I am willing to speak up, I am willing to keep going, I am willing to listen to what others have to say, I am willing to go forward even when I feel alone, I am willing to go to bed at peace with myself, I am willing to be my biggest, bestest, most powerful self. And her honest closing is as relatable as anyone could be when making those statements about their own lives, and it’s that they scare the shit out of her.
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The Merriam-Webster definition of feminism is “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” In the past century, gender roles have been challenged because of feminism. The very idea has completely flipped households, workplaces, and the general community and changed it for the better. A plethora of women’s movements were initiated in the 1960’s, and it gave people a look at how powerful women are when we stand united. Feminism has gained many followers in the past thirty to forty years as more people are becoming aware of conflicts pertaining to discrimination. However, there are many that were hesitant both in the 1960’s and in the present day, but for very different reasons. Nevertheless, persistence seems to be a beacon in women’s rights movements, thanks to very strong and level-headed role models.
That both genders have common ground as people. She goes on to describe how society is becoming more progressive, that whether or not people want to admit it, changes are coming and as time goes on women will be granted more equality. This change was already being seen but just needed further progression.
Will Rogers the famous Vaudeville performer once stated, “We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others”. Rogers’ statement is a very intelligent one; equal rights for all people is the next big step for humanity. Susan Shaw states in her book Women’s Voices Feminist Visions, “Feminism, of course, affirms and works to maintain difference; it merely asks that these differences be valued equally”. Feminism seeks to create equality amongst men and women, this means all women regardless of race, ethnicity, class, or sexuality deserve equal rights. Therefore, LGBT, race, ethnicity, transgender, and reproductive rights are issues of concern to women’s rights activists. Despite the post-feminist myth that equality has been reached, there are still multiple contemporary issues which deserve feminist attention. Violence against women, economic inequality, and social construction of gender, the body, and sexuality are all issues present in modern society which are of concern to women’s rights activists. Although it takes time, progress is being made toward total equality thanks to education and activist groups which raise awareness about inequality in the United States as well as around the world. Feminism is an ideology which aims to create a world without inequality, specifically gender inequality. Therefore, absolute equality is the central issue for contemporary feminist advocates.
Feminism has become an ugly word. Some say it does not even live up to its definition anymore. However, the definition remains unchanged in the pages of history. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary’s definition of Feminism reads, “The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” If one digs deep into this definition, beyond the surface of society’s view on feminism today, one can see that feminism would benefit both sexes. The true ideals of feminism break down gender roles, thus benefitting men, women and future generations.
Feminism- The value of women and a woman-centered perspective and the advocacy of social, political, and economic equality for both women and men
Feminism, what is it? And how does it affect our society today? Feminist Emma Watson’s moving speech ‘Gender equality is your issue to’ tells us feminism isn't just a thought, it’s a true problem. Feminism is a topic known to many, but rejected by most of society. Watson shows her audience true emotion (Pathos), dedication, and love throughout her speech. She gives a clear aspect of feminism, making her listeners engaged into the topic, wanting to know more (Logos). She invites others into her ideas to ensure that she does not stand alone in this feminist movement (Ethos). Emma Watson is a true feminist trying to make a difference, persuading the audience, pouring her heart out, and believing in the world to join her in her free community.
Women and men are choosing not to be known as a feminist. Women fear of being called a “man hater”, whereas men fear of being called “weak”. Women can easily say they are all for “girl power” and vice versa with men, but can they comprehend why it is so important. Non-feminist and feminist do not understand that women's liberation begins at the acknowledgement of inequality between genders. Emma Watson's speech “he for she”, explains how both genders are fearful of ambition since, ambitions is needed to help fulfill the opportunities of any task. The definition of feminism is explained as “men and woman should have equal rights and opportunities”. Watson explains how the support of men and boys will greatly improve the gender equality dilemma. Women are characterized in the defilement of feminism just as much as men, maybe even more. The male species has had the upper hand for centuries. It may seem different for them to share the “thrown” but in good time it will benefit all. Men will not have to worry about being emotional or strong when need be. They will not be characterized for being a stay at home father for his children. Women will be able to make the same income as men and will be eligible for the same position. In good time all will be equal, all will be
I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men.” (Watson). Her use of parallel structure adds emotional depth to her words and invokes a strong reaction from her audience, what she said became
When looking Southern’s video the aimed to destroy feminism and the stigma attached to third wave feminism is a clear motive. Southern starts her video with a strong but intimidating rhetorical question “If feminism is a movement for equality why don’t we see squad representation of both genders issues?”. This not only shocks the audience but also intrigues them explore the antifeminist argument. Watson’s transcript explores and expresses the unfair stereotypes that females and males have to endure on a frequent basis. Watson uses rhetorical questions in her speech “In a country that has achieved marriage equality, shouldn’t gender equality be next?’“. As the rhetorical question was stated at the end of the transcript it is a powerful solid
I have been influenced by many people in my life. Being inspired by these people has helped shape me into the person that I am today. However, there are a few that I look up to more than anyone else. Three of these people are Steele Johnson, Audrey Hepburn and Neil Armstrong.
The United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson, wrote a transcript addressing gender inequality in the HeForShe campaign to the United Nations in September 2014. I wholly agreed with her points concerning feminism and gender equality. I appreciated how she included both sexes as she pointed out the contemporary male voice is required to change the worlds perspective on gender equality and women’s rights.
Thesis Statement: The actual meaning of feminism is not that women are above men, it is instead the importance of anti-sexism, and anti-gender discrimination.
Feminism is often seen as a negative word towards women, but it actually represents the gender inequality for both men and women. In 2014, Emma Watson, a twenty-four-year-old British actress, and the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador co-hosted a special event for the UN Women’s HeForShe campaign. Before Watson was a UN Women’s Ambassador, she was known as a strong activist for women’s rights. The importance of the HeForShe campaign, which is a united movement, to spread and inform the gender equality awareness for both men and women to the public. As a speaker, Watson comes across to her audience as credible also reliable because she is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, she also sends her message across by building a trust relationship with the
Throughout the last century, women have had to fight to have the same opportunities as men. Women have had to earn the right to vote, the right to have a career, and the right to autonomy. However, these are all rights that men have simply been given, which is why today’s feminists work to promote equality. Despite these efforts, feminism is often misunderstood and is interpreted with a negative connotation. According to a study conducted by Precopio and Ramsey (2017), “feminism is commonly recognized as a movement driven to grant social, political, and economic equality to both women and men.” The participation of others besides women is crucial to the spread of equality among the genders. Furthermore, the stigma and negative feelings surrounding feminism must be reduced in order for the ideals of feminism to have a greater impact.
What mainly gave rise to Watson addressing this topic was her emotions attached to the burdens people have felt because of gender inequality. Watson used pathos, an appeal to emotion, to grasp the audience’s attention. Watson provides examples of events in her own life such as, “When at 14, I started to be sexualized by certain elements of the media,” which has helped spark her interest in taking steps to end gender inequality (Watson). Watson provided numerous examples of other women, “When at 15, my girlfriends started dropping out of sports teams because they didn’t want to appear muscly,” as well as examples of males (Watson). Watson recognizes the fact that men are typically less likely to join in the fight for gender equality. In order for Watson to later “invite” men to join the