Introduction to Feminism

 Everyday Sexism

1) Why did Laura Bates start the Everyday Sexism project?

Laura Bates started the Everyday Sexism project as many people said she was making a fuss and since women are equal now, sexism is no longer a problem. As well as Laura realised that they couldn't solve a problem if people refused to even acknowledge that is existed. 

2) How does the Everyday Sexism project link to the concept of post-feminism? Is feminism still required in western societies?

The Everyday Sexism project links to the concept of post-feminism as everyone believed that women are equal now therefore there was nothing to fuss over about anymore however Laura's project proves otherwise as many women and men would share their stories about the sexism they receive every single day proving that feminism is still needed. 

3) Why was new technology essential to the success of the Everyday Sexism project?

New technology was essential to the success of the Everyday Sexism as it allowed users to be anonymous and share their stories without feeling embarrassed or afraid of people knowing their identity on a safe platform and since it was online allowed for the message to spread quickly and become viral which reached members of the public that weren't as educated as others. 

4) Will there be a point in the future when the Everyday Sexism project is not required? What is YOUR view on the future of feminism?

I believe the Everyday Sexism project will always be required as i believe sexism will never stop whether it's towards men or women. I also believe feminism will still be needed in the future even if things improve there will always be a situation. 

Media Magazine: The fourth wave?


1) Summarise the questions in the first two sub-headings: What is networked feminism? Why is it a problem?

Networked feminism tackles social equality issues found on and using modern technology through thousands of blogs, campaigns, hashtags. Networked feminism is a problem as in the fast paced world of technological development, feminism can be left behind. In the media, 'feminists' are associated with campaigners such as the Suffragettes who fought for the vote. One problem is that feminism is only partially understood, due to the Internet having so many denominations, societies and communities who claim to be feminists and those who claim to be against it so definitions and ideologies can become easily blurred. 

2) What are the four waves of feminism? Do you agree that we are in a fourth wave of ‘networked feminism’? 

The first wave of feminism began in the late 19th to early 20th centuries and has a main focus on suffrage. The second wave began in the 1960s, campaigning for the growth of equal rights and leading to Equal Pay Act of 1970, amongst other equality laws. Since the late 1990s we have entered the third wave often identified as post-feminism. The fourth wave of feminism is known as networked feminism which aims to tackle social equality issues found on the Internet using modern technology. I agree that we are in a fourth wave of 'networked feminism' as most of the campaigns and debates about feminism are often held online such as using Twitter, TikTok allowing members of the public to share their opinions on feminism. 

3) Focus on the examples in the article. Write a short summary of EACH of the following: Everyday Sexism, HeForShe, FCKH8 campaign, This Girl Can.

Everyday Sexism: This project was set up in 2012 by Laura Bates as a website which posted examples of sexism that users faced everyday. Laura set it up after finding feminism hard to talk about as many told her sexism is no longer a problem, that women were equal now however the response she received proved differently with 50,000 entries of sexist experiences made by December 2013, and now three years later Everyday sexism is one of the most high-visibility feminist digital campaigns. 
HeForShe: HeForShe campaign focuses on male support for gender equality, highlighting the fact that feminism is not about promoting matriarchy, but solidarity. This campaign is explicitly a non-man hating version of feminism and and seems to remove the element of misandry that has blighted traditional feminism for so long. 

FCKH8: This movement focuses on the modern representation of girls and huge social inequalities they face while featuring young girls 'F-bombing' to highlight society's imbalance when it comes to offences. However, FCKH8 is a for profit company and the video is trying to sell T-shirts, this sort of exploitation of feminism as an advertising tool creates a huge backlash. 

This Girl Can: A fitness campaign for women that doesn't shame or exclude them, by sharing photos, videos and quotes of women without the usual sexual exploitation of a women's fitness advert without body shaming. 

4) What is your opinion with regards to feminism and new/digital media? Do you agree with the concept of a 'fourth wave' of feminism post-2010 or are recent developments like the Everyday Sexism project merely an extension of the third wave of feminism from the 1990s?

I believe that the Everyday Sexism project is an extension of the third wave of feminism from the 1990's however, i do believe there is a fourth wave as yes women have gained their rights however, sexism is still happening on everyday occurrence to women and campaigns/projects such as the Everyday Sexism help identify and confirm the fact that sexism is still an issue to this day. I feel like we're in a mix of both waves.