[solved]Barrack Obama on Feminism

Barrack Obama on Feminism

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President Barrack Obama on Feminism

I think Obama wrote this essay for a variety of reasons, the main reason however, is a deliberate intention to motivate a society consisting of men and women to break out of the confines of gender stereotypes. This fact is evident in the way he refers to the current state of affairs in regard to gender stereotypes. He holds that despite all the significant milestones achieved throughout the history of humanity, we still find ourselves boxed in by stereotypes about the different behavior men and women should exhibit. In his opinion, the fact that we have come this far should at least elevate us to a level where gender stereotypes regarding behavior should be non-existent. Yet, as he posits, all types of stereotyping of women starts at birth, before any of them has a chance to prove themselves. Society already assumes that based on their gender, there is a particular way they should behave. Obama’s outcry so to speak, is to empower society as a whole to provide a level platform for every individual to showcase their potential regardless of their gender and to make judgments based on merits rather than gender.

“In fact, the most important change may be the toughest of all and that’s changing ourselves.” I think what Obama means by this statement is that it is usually easier to find fault in something else or someone else because we always judge the other entity based on our expectations and seek to change them to fit our standards. The toughest challenge comes in when we are the problem but we do not realize it, and are unable to change our attitudes and perceptions because we already think we are right. I agree with this hypothesis because I believe when an individual perceives himself as knowledgeable and refuses to open up and accept correction, they are rigid and bound to fail in their pursuit for growth since growth only happens through change.

“We need to keep changing the attitude that raises our girls to be demure and our boys to be assertive.” Here, Obama simply means that in our parenting, we should be careful not to instill in our daughters the qualities of being shy, modest or reserved and in our sons, the quality of having or showing a forceful personality. He encourages a situation where both genders will be taught to stand up for themselves, be confident, and be whatever they choose. I agree with what Obama says here because experience and history has shown us that whenever children are put on a certain path, they can either grow to live a fulfilling life or limit themselves without ever realizing their potential.

“That’s what twenty first century feminism is about: the idea that when everyone is equal, we are all more free.” Obama means that when everyone rises above the constraints of gender stereotypes, everyone will be free to express their true nature and personalities without the fear of being judged. Freedom of expression will translate to a more robust self-sustaining system built on trust and codependence to ensure a more enlightened generation.

I always think about feminism as championing the rights of women on the basis that they can do what men can do if only they are given equal opportunities. This essay expanded my view on feminism in regard to how early society places stereotypes on people. It showed me how the problem of gender stereotypes is not only instigated by men, but also by women who have failed to see the wider perspective. With this knowledge the challenge of bringing about an impartial society seems much more intimidating. With visionaries like Obama however, there is hope for change.

References

Obama, B. (n.d.). Exclusive: President Barack Obama Says, “This Is What a Feminist Looks Like”. Retrieved September 17, 2018, from https://www.glamour.com/story/glamour-exclusive-president-barack-obama-says-this-is-what-a-feminist-looks-like