MIGRAIN: Introduction to feminism

Everyday Sexism

Watch the Everyday Sexism TED talk from Laura Bates (linked above) and answer the following questions:

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

Due to the rampant catcalling and aggressive sexism present in women day to day life.

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 counters the concept of post-feminism, the ideology that all goals of feminism and equality for women has been reached and feminism as a movement has no use and should be rendered obsolete. Laura Bailey opposes this notion by highlighting the everyday casual misogyny bake into the everyday that men have gotten used to and take advantage whilst women have become numb to the abuse, no matter how little it is.

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

New tech was essential to the success of the everyday sexism project as it allowed for wide-spread, global, crowd-sourced data collection of testimonies and stories, raising awareness and policy change.

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?

There is a possibility that it isn’t required but it doesn't seem to be in the near future due to the intrinsic deep rooted nature of the patriarchy still working on men today, the future of feminism is positive but fluctuating.
Media Magazine: The fourth wave?
Read the article: The Fourth Wave? Feminism in the Digital Age in MM55 (p64). You'll find the article in our Media Magazine archive here.

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

Networked feminism is the 'fourth wave' of feminism and tackles issues through social media to reach a wider range of women with campaigns and blogs that highlight issues that women face internationally to grow communities and revitalise ideologies.

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 is from the late 19th to early 20th century, focusing on suffrage, the second wave of feminism is from the 60's, focusing on equal rights leading to the Equal Pay Act of 1970's, the third stage of feminism is since the 90's, often identified as post-feminism, the fourth wave of feminism is known as 'networked' feminism as it aims to tackle social equality using modern technology, therefore we are in a new wave of 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.

HeForShe-Utilising twitter for a huge q&a representing a non-man-hating feminism. FCKH8 campaign-Modern representation of young girls 'f-bombing' societies inequalities, it received backlash for attempting to sell shirts after receiving fame and exploiting feminism as an advertising tool. This Girl Can-First fitness campaign for women, not shaming or sexually exploiting them.

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?

New wave feminism has a totally new outlook on feminism that differs deeply from the 90's, there is acknowledgement of individual opinions and fresh perspectives compared to three decades ago, there is also a focus on self love rather than performing the role of a socially outcast or ultra-progressive boss feminist.