Identities: Feminism and new/digital media

Feminism and new/digital media

Everyday Sexism:

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

Bates began the Every Day Sexism project because she witnessed on numerous occasions that she and other women from different ages and abilities were facing some form  of sexual abuse. She decided to research, to see if it was just her 'illusion' and the results were staggering. She found that there is more sexism in society than ever, including the country's political system. 

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

I do believe that judging from the stats gathered in this video and from the anecdotes in which Bates referred to, shows that feminism is still required even to this day. The fact that men believe it is okay to abuse women verbally and physically is something that needs to be aware of and taught to the next generation. Feminism can help the behaviour of both men and women when it comes to sexual assault.

3) How can you apply Judith Butler's theory of gender as a 'performance' to the creation of the Everyday Sexism project?

The anecdotes that Bates used further intensifies that women are being seen and treated as performers for male pleasure. Anecdotes where men discuss a females breast size, is proof that there is a form of performance of women amongst men in society. However, the idea of having a website that acknowledges such crimes can be seen as challenging Butler's theory as women from all over the world are challenging these norms by fighting back at abuse. 

4) How does Angela McRobbie's work on female empowerment link to the Everyday Sexism project?

The fact that people are not embarrassed to share their stories with the world is a figure of empowerment in itself. Women are not longer ashamed that such behaviour is happening and demand to do something about it, by raising awareness of it to all women around the world.


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 is ant where a feminist can report as sexist, abuse, misogynist or racist, which are aimed towards minority groups. Networked feminism is simply a manifestation of a feminists ability to use the internet to such an extent that they make use of the ability to share the views of the voices that are rarely heard.  

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

Wave 1: early 20th century with rise of the Suffragettes for the right to vote
Wave 2: women claiming the right to an abortion (pills), and equal pay
Wave 3: 1990's to the present, empowerment, raclaiming of femininity (high heels, sexuality) etc
Wave 4: use of new technology

3) Focus on the examples in the article. Write a 100-word summary of EACH of the following: Everyday Sexism, HeForShe, FCKH8 campaign, This Girl Can.

Every Day Sexism- this campaign began as a way for women to share their personal relations to the most common form of abuse- sexual harassment or even sexual ideologies. Bates began the site by posting her own involvements with sexual abuse, in hope that other women will view her site and either respond or even, share their personal scenario's. The aid of the internet and its platforms such as social media all played a massive part in 'booming' her website views as her site was viewed by almost 50,000 women.

HeForShe- Emma Watson (also known for her role as an actress on the big screen) began this campaign. Her main intention was to promote gender equality which focuses feminist as a force of 'solidarity'. Again, much like Bates, Watson used social media to get her thoughts across as well as answer a few of the questions that people were asking her about (on Twitter).

FCKH8- Unlike the other campaigns, this campaign was done entirely digitally (via internet etc), and focuses on the current representations of all females with their issues regarding equal gender rights. There was a video of a young girl which was used as promotional material, and had received many views, essentially going viral on the internet. Merchandise was being sold, and this had tarnished the brand image of the feminist movement, as it seemed to be more of selling products rather than stating a point. 

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 do agree with the concept of the fourth wave to some degree. The internet has opened doors for many people to express their values and beliefs and be seen by many people. This is more effective than the traditional way ie, setting up a women's club etc. The concept of bloggers and online websites have already been used for this exact purpose. Where feminism is being shoved in to every aspect of the internet, so that it is reminding people of its core beliefs and ideas. However, I don't think its an entire wave on its own. It more likely shares with the third wave, but is a sort of extension from that. The main purpose of feminism on the internet and with the use of new technology is virtually the same concept, just used and delivered in a different way.