Reflection
Understanding the history and the current status of feminist movements has been of great importance as it helps one understand the struggles women have passed through in fighting inequality. My favorite readings of the quarter were the article by Shaw and Lee, which explained the system of privileges and inequality in women's lives and the book by Reeds. In the article by Shaw and Lee, an expeditious explanation has been made in explaining the relationships and hierarchies in the society. Reeds, on the hand, provide a detailed explanation of the experiences of civil and women's rights movements from different societies across the globe.
What were some of your least favorite readings, activities, or viewings of the quarter? Why?
The chapter nine “Will the Revolution be Cybercast” of the book by Reeds was my least favorite reading. This chapter was my least favorite due to difficulties in understanding the meaning of the content. Although one is able to understand the role of media in the movements, difficulties in understanding the content caused loss of interest.
What do you feel like you learned about social movements or inequity in the US in this class?
In this quarter, studying social movements and inequality has presented a diverse understanding of the society especially in the US. The US has the most diverse society comprising of people from different parts of the world. The historical background of the country presents the creation of a unique society with different classes of people. For example, the slave trade that led to the development of the African American community, who were treated as second class citizens. In understanding the feminist social movements in regard to African American women, they passed through more challenges as compared to their white counterparts. This case was also similar when dealing with Mexican American women, the Chicana. However, when they formed social rights movements they helped each other through borrowing ideologies from each other.
What do you think you've learned about the relationship between social change and artistic modes of expression in the US?
There is a high relationship between social change and use of arts in expressing issues affecting the society. For example, the El-movemiento used murals in expressing their social and political messages. This was similar to the black church music, which played an imperative role in the movement activities. The arts used in different movements are dated back in the history of the community. For example, the use of murals by Mexican Americans was dated back in the 1920’s and were used during social and political struggles. The black American music, on the other hand has played an imperative role in the development of black music and the development of the pop culture.
In what ways did the cultural studies and/or rhetorical analysis approaches to studying the humanities interest or challenge you?
The studying of culture and rhetorical analysis in studying humanity was challenging and interesting in equal measure. This was due to the presentation of concepts, which was challenging to understand, but the same very interesting.
The movements that were studied got closer and closer to home as the quarter progressed; how did your interest in the movements or understanding of what constituted a social movement evolve or devolve?
The studying of social movement adopted a convergent approach where general concepts were presented until lastly when the study got specific into specific social movements. This was essential in the development of interest and the formation of a strong basis about the evolution of social movements.
In what ways were you challenged to think critically? Creatively? Give examples, if possible.
Studying social rights movements from the basic and general viewpoint to specific social rights movements presents an opportunity for a person to think about the future of social rights movements. Although great achievements have been made by women and disadvantaged groups in fighting for equal rights, there are various stereotypes that still exist. Therefore, they have to understand that the struggle is far from over in ensuring a just and equal society.
What was the most unexpected thing about the class or about the work you did?
The reading and understanding of the Mexican American El-movemiento origin was the most unexpected and surprising concept to handle. Although interesting, I never thought Mexican Americans had such a rich history. However, it was interesting and challenging in equal measure.
