Discussion Blog Two

Baumgardner and Richards document a number of changes that have occurred in the last 35 years and conclude that feminism has made some pretty drastic changes in our lives. In another 35 years, what do you believe will be some of the more radical feminist changes in society? What evidence do you have to support this? In their article—A Day Without Feminism—the authors consider matters of gender, but also touch on issues of race, class and sexuality. Bell hooks similarly explores connections between sexism, racism and classism. Why are so many feminists concerned with the intersection of these issues?

Marcelle Karp (BUST Guide) suggests that “our culture is obsessed with breasts.” (p. 3) Why do you think this is? What are the implications of this cultural phenomenon on women? How might this chesty focus perpetuate inequality between men and women? Bell hooks suggests that even though these cultural tendencies are patriarchal, they can often have a negative impact on men—what are some of the implications of this breast-obsessed culture on the male-folk?

Bell hooks has a lot to say about feminism and much of it is quite controversial. She is certainly concerned about equality, though her vision of equality seems to differ from what is commonly accepted —she suggests that women and men should not be treated universally equally. What does she mean by this assertion? Can an equitable society exist without universal equality?