Comments | joyshine: From Third World Feminism

joyshine

From Third World Feminism

Feb 02, 2009 16:15

So, this is going to be a mini-series of Joy's Musings on Feminism taken from my Theory Responses for my 3rd World Feminism class. I am recording here for posterity.

( Theory Response the First )

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Comments 7

thoughts liquidwoman February 3 2009, 07:31:42 UTC

In terms of the So Big-ness of it all: I find it counterproductive to think about how Big and Entrenched it all is in terms of Changing it. However, when I confront it in my own life, it is Good and Useful to realize that the problem is NOT personal to me, but instead is symptomatic of the entire systemic problem. It is not because of something I did or Who I Am, but instead it is because there is this oppression and it is a paradigm that has not yet been eradicated ( ... )

Re: thoughts joyshine February 3 2009, 16:51:00 UTC

*smiles* Yes. The nice thing about this course is that it *does* emphasize the many different feminisms. However, I, being the person I am...I still want to know and understand everything and get flustered when I can't. Though I know I can't. Still. I try not to make it a me-vs.-Teh Big Bad System...because I know I'll be paralyzed if I do. But it resurfaces and lingers...so I keep trying and re-setting my thoughts. Trying to find the balance between the impact of theory and what I need to do in my personal practice of living is the issue right now. It's ok, though. In the end, I'm going to keep listening others, keep hearing their perspectives and stories, and keep practicing my feminism as it grows and changes in that context. One day at a time.
I am well. I am a bit stressed, but I am grateful and breathing. :D

An alternative viewpoint necro789 February 3 2009, 10:00:41 UTC

A different point to consider would be instances in which the great big edifice of "The Machine" is being completely rewritten to help advance feminist goals and interests. Historically this would be the growing emphasis on 3rd world development via education programs that specifically target women, including sexual education programs. Their is also something that slightly more recent in the form of the micro-credit loan system. google will do a far better job of i than directing you to pertinent info, but the entire point of the system is that giving small ~$100 USD loans to women in a developing nation has a profound impact at the individual through the systemic level. it creates a long term income stream usually by selling animal products like goat's milk or a small scale biz. the loans are normally given to several individuals as a group (for payback and motivation interests as well). It is a very nice arrangement as it starts a process of value transfer that scales well from a large first world entity to a local level in a ( ... )

Re: An alternative viewpoint joyshine February 3 2009, 16:54:25 UTC

I love the microloans. I love the idea and the system. And I know that change is occurring, progress is happening...but that's not what strikes me when I read the theory. Because it's all about changing views, hearing other feminisms and other women's situations - and that can be hard. So I get pessimistic and a bit defensive and I wrestle with it. And that's what this is...wrestling. Not fair, objective, reasoned...no, it's my gut talking. It's me trying to make instinctual, emotional sense of it. (...Because that's what the professor wants us to do in these responses. Because she's awesome. :-D ).

Re: An alternative viewpoint necro789 February 3 2009, 23:00:04 UTC

ah, I would fail for the obvious then.

Great! the_grayling February 3 2009, 11:31:14 UTC

Now just title it "Why Bitches Be Hoes", and you'll be good to go!

Seriously though, I like the connection between feminism and racial class struggles. Just watched a video at my former job about how microlenders prefer to loan to poor women because they are more likely to invest in community needs.

Although it's not such a surprising connection, anything can be logically connected to anything - don't get too lost in your brain.

Re: Great! joyshine February 3 2009, 16:57:46 UTC

*nods* Yeah...one of The Big Points of this set of readings was that where white, Western women tend to see feminism as separate from issues of race, class, and economics...many other women see those issues as intertwined and,in fact,inseparable. And,for me, that makes Feminism into a huuuuge area which encompasses lots and lots of things about which I know next to nothing. Which is always a bit overwhelming. But, as I assured LQW, I am still walking - still one foot in front of the other, still hearing, still working...taking what I understand and integrating, changing, as I go.