Module 19

My experience in the virtual feminist classroom has had an impact on me because I really never realized all of the ways that women and minorities view the world, in both negative and positive terms. I am now more aware of how people unlike me experience the world and try harder to be more understanding of these perspectives. I envision a just future as a world where no one judges others which leads people to completely be themselves and not have to be ashamed of who they are. I see all people getting equal benefits, including pay, governmental roles, and educational opportunities. Derogatory words would never be used and everyone would feel liberated as a result of this. I think a lot of this will just take time. As new generations are born, hopefully the previous ones will teach them to be more and more understanding of differences until it eventually levels out and there is virtually none. I don't think legislation will make a big part in getting to this point, because it is at the point where people just have to understand it on a social level and you can't really make laws for most topics.

If I were to advise someone about the value of taking a Women's Studies class, I would tell them to keep an open mind and try to understand everyone's point of view, even if you don't completely agree with it. There were many issues throughout the class that I did not agree with; however, I learned to see the issue from that standpoint and most of the issues I was at least able to understand the arguments for all sides. Feminist education in itself can definitely be a form of activism because learning about where we used to be, where we are, and where we want to be in the future helps to inform. Knowing the issues and all sides of them helps individuals to make informed decisions for themselves.