Key Issues in Gender, Race, and LGBTQ+ Rights

Henry Ford and Five-dollar a day livable wage

Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, implemented a policy in 1914 to pay his workers a daily wage of $5, significantly higher than the average wage at the time, which aimed to provide workers with a livable income and boost consumer spending.

Gender pay gap

The difference in earnings between women and men, often expressed as a percentage of men's earnings, reflecting disparities in pay for the same work or comparable positions.

Fatherhood bonus

The phenomenon where men tend to earn higher wages after becoming fathers, often as a result of perceived increased responsibility and commitment to their jobs.

Comstock Law

A federal law enacted in 1873 that prohibited the distribution of obscene materials, including contraceptives and information about birth control, primarily targeting the regulation of morality.

Fertility Changes 1800-1860-1900

Referring to the significant shifts in birth rates and reproductive practices in the U.S. during these periods, often influenced by socio-economic changes, access to contraception, and evolving societal norms.

Occupational segregation

The division of jobs into categories based on gender, race, or other demographic factors, leading to unequal access to opportunities and pay in different occupations.

Nuclear family

A family unit consisting of two parents and their children, typically living together in one household.

Second shift

The term coined by sociologist Arlie Hochschild, referring to the unpaid domestic labor (like cooking, cleaning, and childcare) that working women often engage in after their paid workday ends.

Xenophobia

An irrational fear or hatred of people from other countries or cultures, often leading to discrimination and social tension.

The Chinese Exclusion Act

A U.S. federal law enacted in 1882 that prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers, reflecting the anti-Chinese sentiment prevalent in America at the time.

Mother pay penalty

The wage gap experienced by mothers compared to their childless counterparts, often due to discrimination or assumptions about their commitment to work.

Epistemologies

The study of knowledge and justified belief, particularly how knowledge is constructed, understood, and validated within different cultural and social contexts.

Essentialization

The process of attributing fixed, essential characteristics to a group of people, often leading to stereotypes and oversimplifications of identity.

Colorism

Discrimination based on skin tone, where individuals with lighter skin are often privileged over those with darker skin, even within the same ethnic or racial group.

Medicalization

The process by which human conditions or behaviors are defined and treated as medical issues, often leading to increased medical intervention in areas of life traditionally considered non-medical.

Zines/fan zines

Self-published, small-circulation magazines or booklets focused on a specific subculture or interest, often created by fans to share their thoughts, art, and commentary.

Riot Grrl revolution

A feminist punk movement that emerged in the early 1990s, characterized by its DIY ethos, music, and activism, focusing on issues like gender inequality, sexuality, and female empowerment.

Bikini Kill

A prominent punk band formed in 1990, considered a key player in the Riot Grrl movement, known for their feminist lyrics and energetic performances.

ACT UP - Goals, tactics, when founded

The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) was founded in 1987, aiming to advocate for AIDS research, treatment, and prevention through direct action, public protests, and political advocacy.

AIDS/HIV Policy Reagan and Bush H.W. administrations

Referring to the response and policies regarding the AIDS crisis during the Reagan and Bush administrations, often criticized for their lack of urgency and compassion in addressing the epidemic.

Ryan White CARE Act

Legislation enacted in 1990 to provide funding for care and treatment for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, named after Ryan White, a teenager who became a national spokesperson for AIDS awareness.

Digital Activism

The use of digital tools and platforms, such as social media, to promote social change, organize campaigns, and mobilize support for various causes.

Street harassment

Unwanted or inappropriate comments, gestures, or actions directed at individuals in public spaces, often based on gender or sexuality.

Righttobe.org (Formerly Hollaback)

An organization aimed at combating street harassment through awareness, advocacy, and providing resources for victims, originally known as Hollaback, which focused on sharing stories of harassment.

Non-violent direct action

A form of protest or activism that seeks to bring about social change through peaceful methods, such as demonstrations, sit-ins, and civil disobedience, rather than through violent means.

Essays

Essay

Spade's Challenge to Inclusivity in LGBTQ+ Movements

In his article, Dean Spade criticizes the LGBTQ+ movement for not adequately supporting intersex and transgender people, highlighting the story of a transgender individual denied medical treatment due to their identity. He suggests changing laws to protect gender non-conforming individuals and calls for staff training to promote understanding. Spade emphasizes the need for safe spaces and greater inclusivity in institutions to better support everyone, especially those who don't fit traditional gender roles.

Techniques and Impact of the Marsha P. Johnson Documentary

The Marsha P. Johnson documentary employs various techniques to connect Marsha's story from 1992 with contemporary issues in the LGBTQ+ community. Archival footage provides historical context, while interviews with activists and historians create a rich narrative honoring Marsha's legacy. The film's main purposes include raising awareness about violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and celebrating Marsha P. Johnson's contributions.

While the film instills hope by showcasing community resilience and increasing visibility for LGBTQ+ struggles, it also highlights ongoing violence and discrimination. This tension raises questions about whether heightened media attention will lead to meaningful change. Although some viewers may feel hopeful regarding justice, others may see continued violence as indicative of insufficient progress. The film effectively captures this complexity, prompting a nuanced understanding of the LGBTQ+ movement's path forward.

Bailey's Critique of Consent in Sexual Violence

In her article, Bailey critiques the focus on consent as the primary means of addressing sexual violence. She argues that while consent is crucial, an exclusive emphasis can obscure broader social factors that contribute to violence. Sharing her experiences, Bailey illustrates how consent frameworks can inadequately address power dynamics and coercion.

She contends that this approach individualizes sexual violence, placing the burden on victims instead of addressing systemic issues. Agreeing with Bailey's argument, I believe it highlights the limitations of a consent-centric view. While consent is essential, it must be contextualized within a broader conversation about societal structures that perpetuate violence, leading to more effective solutions that challenge systemic inequality.

Mogul et al.'s Perspective on Hate Crimes and the Case of April Mora

Mogul et al. analyze violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, focusing on the shortcomings of the "hate crime" approach. They argue that while hate crime laws provide some protection, they often don't address the root causes of violence and can further marginalize victims. The case of April Mora, a transgender woman who experienced violence and discrimination from law enforcement, highlights these issues. Mogul et al. advocate for a broader understanding of violence that considers systemic inequalities and emphasize the need for transformative justice instead of just punitive measures. They call for a rethinking of how society responds to violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

Patterns in the Experiences of Latina Doctors

In "Latina/X Doctoras {Doctors}: Negotiating Knowledge Production in Science," Flores explores the experiences of Latina doctors and identifies key patterns in their narratives. Many interviewees describe facing stereotypes and biases that undermine their expertise, reflecting a broader societal tendency to undervalue women, particularly women of color.

Flores highlights the dual identity Latina doctors navigate, balancing professional demands with cultural expectations. This often leads to stress and isolation, as they feel disconnected from both professional peers and cultural communities. Additionally, many express a lack of mentorship and support compared to their counterparts. Through these stories, Flores sheds light on systemic barriers faced by Latina doctors and emphasizes the need for changes within medicine to promote equity and inclusion.

Lughod's Critique of Western Perceptions of Afghan Women

Lila Abu-Lughod raises concerns about the portrayal of Afghan women and Muslim women during the "War on Terror." She critiques the dominant narrative that frames them as victims needing Western intervention, which oversimplifies their realities and undermines their agency. By asking, "Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving?" she challenges assumptions about their needs and desires, emphasizing the importance of listening to their voices.

Lughod suggests that feminists globally should support local movements and respect cultural differences, advocating for a collaborative approach that honors women's agency. By promoting solidarity instead of saviorism, feminists can contribute to a more just world that respects the autonomy and diverse experiences of all women.