I've never really thought about feminism before. The women in my family never really discussed women rights or issues with me, maybe because they thought I was too young, or maybe feminism never really crossed their minds. So I acted as though the thing never really existed, sure i knew that their were women who still fought for their rights, but it was only something I learned in history class, nothing I would take into my own hands. Last year, during school, the girls in the class, including myself, were asked to set aside to listen to new course offerings, while the boys continued with their studies.
The courses that the discussion listed was as followed: cooking, taking care of children, and some "talking about your feelings and shit" class. I was deeply disturbed by the orientation this woman was presenting to us, and something inside of me just exploded. Towards the end, when she asked if we had any questions, i asked whether the boys were going to get the same presentation. Her response - no, she was running low on time. Those few words set me off, i immediately spoke to the assistant principal, and talked to multiple girls about the manipulating message they were sending to us. Not only were they offending us, but also the men who enjoy cooking,etc. - telling them that cooking was for women, and not them. The next day the opened the orientation for everyone - since then, I have been opening my eyes to women around me that are making a difference, and trying to learn from them.
There's only so much I can learn- since I'm only in high school and they don't offer a gender studies- they do have "club 19" - a female's rights group, but I don't feel like we do enough.
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kasha, I think it is great that you spoke up to your vice principal and recognized the issue of gendered classrooms in your own classroom. It's great you're looking to get involved and I think club 19 may need your motivation and membership! Club 19 has the potential to create real change awareness in your high school and in the lives of your fellow students. Has the club considered participating in the "16 Days of Activism Campaign?" There are great ways for youths to get involved. (email to ask for a "take action kit" 16days@cwgl.rutgers.edu)
I think there is a lot you can learn as a high schooler and I think you're doing the right thing by joining an online blog.