Re: Equalizing Advantage

From: edequity@phoenix.edc.org
Date: Tue Feb 15 2000 - 14:51:38 EST


Miss Amber Valeris DeWine wrote:
> I have one further question to ask the members of this group, if you will
> indulge me please. This group is said to be in favor of "equity," but
> seems in fact to promote a feminist ideal.

**The two things are not contradictory....feminism is about seeking equity
for women. I would go so far as to say most feminists I know are concerned
with the equality of ALL peoples.

> I would like to see one example
> of where either the members of this group or the feminist movement in
> general has worked to equalize a female advantage in the realm of
> education.

> For example, have there been feminist rallies to shut down the women's
> centers at any college because there is not an equivalent men's center?
> Have there been mass feminist boycotts of women's studies programs
> because there are no equivalent men's studies programs? Has any member >
of this group called for the public humiliation of the person who came up >
with the Take Your Daughter to Work Day? Something to that effect, >
showing how either this group in particular or feminism in general has
> worked to equalize an area in which females have an advantage? This >
would be very insightful indeed! Cheers

**I agree that we all need to be aware of our privileges.....white women
need to realize that they have white privilege, straight women and Judeo
Christian women need to acknowledge their privilege. But to say there
should be a men's studies program.....well, perhaps. There should be a
program that looks at how men are harmed by society's expectations and
stereotypes about them. But in general, I think womes' studies and take
your daughter to work day are good things that work to equalize areas where
men have an advantage. And I have found precious few enough areas where
women have an advantage, to really be too concerned with the possibility
that men are suffering inequities to the extent women are. But you raise a
good point.....we need, as a society, to examine how gender roles and
stereotypes hurt men as well. William Pollack has written a wonderful book
"Real Boys", that addresses some of these concerns. I participated in a
workshop he led as well. He is very thoughtful and thought-provoking.

> Hugs
> Miss Amber Valeris DeWine (soon to be Mrs. Amber Valeris Tower!!!)

**Congratulations - and Hugs back to you!!
Warm prayers,
Amy

Amy E. Kelly
akelly99@hotmail.com
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/kakelly/amy/

"Disability is not a 'brave struggle' or 'courage in the face of
adversity'....disability is an art. It is an ingenious way to live." - Neil
Marcus, 1993



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