Feminist criticism

My first thought in exploring the reading, Feminist criticism, located in critical theory today book by Lois Tyson, I did not care about the feminist movement or not interested in this particular subject. My views on feminism maybe somewhat distorted or may be view by others as out of date. Although, I understand the definition as far as pertaining to literature is concern. "Feminist criticism examines the ways in which literature(and other cultural productions) reinforces or undermines the economic, political, social, and psychological oppression of women."

However, I do understand women authors not being considered part of the literary cannon. "Because the works of (white) female authors (and of all authors of color) do not describe experience from a (white) male point of view" (p.84).

However, I do not believe that this is largely accepted in society today as the norm. There are many prominent woman authors that are recognized for their writing talent.

I begin to reevaluate my thinking regarding feminism. As I continue reading there were things that I agree with especially about women and prescribed drugs. Drugs are often tested on male subjects only resulting in medication side effects for women (p.85).

The utilization of the word s/he I understand why feminists would be upset about this reference. However, I was taught the usage of he often included the woman. As I am reading the article, I am formulating questions in my mind, Why is this so important? Is the feminist movement important more now than ever? I felt some feminists want to act more like men rather than obtain equal rights or opportunities. We do not live in a utopia where both sexes are satisfied with the outcome of their lives. Someone has to become the leader and the other the follower. I believe that women should have equal rights provided it does not take away from men as they maintain their masculinity. In the words of James Brown, "This is a man's world, this is a man's world, But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl."


Brown understood that it is a man's world, but he also implied that man cannot exist without women. Nevertheless, a feminist would believe that the idea of men being superior to women is to justify and maintain monopoly of positions of economic, political, and social power. This is done by keeping women powerless by denying them the educational and occupational means of acquiring economic, political, and social power.

In reading, History of Writing in the Community by Ursula Howard in the Handbook of Research on Writing, I found several examples that would support the feminist views about economics, power, and education.

For example,

As literary levels rose . . . women were least likely to be offered the opportunity to learn to write" (p. 239).

". . .they worked with women who often saw little of their husband's wages" (p. 242).

" . . advertisements . . . in the United States asked for a man "who can write plainly" and required written applications and numeracy skills" (p.243).

Yes, I believe that women in some cases have been denied economic, political, social, and educational rights. But, I disagree with the feminist views that they cannot obtain set goals because of men. When a person makes a decision to accomplish a goal, they would do whatever it takes to achieve it. Therefore, I believe that feminists in some cases tend to use the blame game rather than,"working to fulfilled their dreams and aspirations". I remembered during my freshmen year, a college professor gave me two quotes: (1) "No one can make you feel inferior, unless you give them permission" (2) "Never underestimate the power of a woman"