Assignment for Tuesday, August 29

I can't emphasize enough the importance of this point, related to Gabrielle's remarks about the video:  You will say things well-meaning and sincere and honest and caring that accidentally hurt other people by excluding them.  Not just excluding them, but diminishing their real struggles.  You will do this by accident, but they will respond, perhaps, from a place of pain and resentment.

 OR, you might be the hurt person, faced with someone's well-meaning but hurtful expressions.

 At those moments, we must try our hardest to be open and careful and respectful.  We can't let the pain and defensiveness become the focus.  Real conversation requires this very difficult tolerance.

 I am super conscious of it because I am aware that I exclude people all the time, and I know that it is not THEIR JOB to get me to see how to treat them better.  I promise that I'm trying.

 If we all try, there may still be painful things we cause and suffer.  But we can learn, too.  It is a slow process, but vital for something like full recognition.  And that is a good goal.  For starters.


 
Now then, for Tuesday:

1)  In Feminism in Our Time, read everything, including all intros and prefaces, up to page 68.
2)  In A History of US Feminisms, read chapters 2 and 3.
3)  Review the lyrics to this song your parents used to listen to (see below).
4) Take careful notes on everything.  Come to class ready to share, and listen to, some thoughts.





I'm Just a Girl       --by No Doubt

Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I'm exposed and it's no big surprise
Don't you think I know exactly where I stand
This world is forcing me to hold your hand
'Cause I'm just a girl, a little 'ol me
Well don't let me out of your sight
Oh I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don't let me have any rights
Oh...I've had it up to here!
The moment that I step outside
So many reasons for me to run and hide
I can't do the little things I hold so dear
'Cause it's all those little things that I fear
'Cause I'm just a girl I'd rather not be
'Cause they won't let me drive late at night
Oh I'm just a girl, guess I'm some kind of freak
'Cause they all sit and stare with their eyes
Oh I'm just a girl, take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype
Oh...I've had it up to here!
Oh...am I making myself clear?
I'm just a girl
I'm just a girl in the world...
That's all that you'll let me be!
I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb makes me worry some
I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to is making me numb
Oh I'm just a girl, my apologies
What I've become is so burdensome
Oh I'm just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum there's no comparison
Oh...I've had it up to!
Oh...I've had it up to!
Oh...I've had it up to here!

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