Podcast response

I liked how Dr. Bezio commented on the incredibly complex nature of our systems, and how even when they are unequal you still might receive benefits from them. I was particularly interested in the discussion about the titanic. Whenever I would watch the movie, I struggled with the notion that women and children had to go first onto the lifeboats. This sort of infantilization of women is not a new concept, nor is the theory that they must be saved by men. As a feminist who believes in championing the equality of the sexes, I strongly disagree with the sexist rationale behind this systemic decision, however, if I was on the titanic, I think I’d be pretty grateful to get a spot on the lifeboat if it meant survival. Patriarchal norms and systems have been around for generations, and though it would be tough to not hop on a lifeboat in a titanic-type-situation, I think challenging these norms or pointing out the flawed logic that supports them whenever possible, is essential to progress.

4 thoughts on “Podcast response

  1. Judith Witke Mele

    I think the concept of letting women and children go first is interesting because it comes from a place that is based on Women being inferior beings to men who cant take care of themselves but also makes their lives more important? The importance that is being drawn on here though is nurturing, meaning the women had to go with the children because they were the only ones who could take care of them in the “comforting” and “sweet” way the children needed.

  2. Madyson Fitzgerald

    I agree that in a titanic-like situation, it can be tough, but there are even less catastrophic examples where you can benefit from being under an unequal system. For me, I consider myself a very independent woman, but let my car start acting up — that’s men’s business and I’ll gladly let my dad handle it without complaint. I do think, though, that it’s important to bring up those inequities whenever possible.

  3. Hayley Simms

    Your post also reminds me of the argument about whether or not women should be included in the draft since men are. Usually, when this is brought up to me, I respond with “Okay, that’s fine, but are you willing to pay more in taxes?” because, ultimately with sanitary products and the medical expenses needed to cover the sexual assault that happens frequently in the military, not to mention the different training programs and living quarters, that’s what would happen. Although I may benefit from it, I see where the other side is coming from, but to make it completely equal it has to be an effort an all sides of the argument, not just the women, not just the men.

  4. Josephine Holland

    I also appreciate how Dr. Bezio pointed out how people can still benefit from systemic inequality, though it’s important to look at who exactly is benefiting. White women have a much different relationship then POC women to systemic inequality particularly around the infatalization or putting women on a pedestal , because of the history of classism and racism.

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