FOR NJOSH ONLY
Part I: What is the problem?
The dictionary definition of feminism is clearly stated as the advocacy of gender equality, and it seems as if this concept is irrelevant to college students in our present day society. It is not uncommon to hear college students of both sexes say that they support gender equality but wouldn’t go to the extent of calling themselves feminists. Even more common is the belief that the fight for gender equality is outdated, implying that women’s rights has reached its potential. Yet, we live in a country where street harassment is a factor that most women have to learn to deal with; as in 2014, 65% women, and 25% of males who mostly identify with LGBT, of 2,000 people surveyed, admitted to being harassed on the streets (Conner, 2015). Just this week the story of a woman who was sexually harassed and left by a dumpster, by Stanford freshman Brock Allen Turner, was released (Stack, 2016). Oftentimes, female students are exploited by professors, and do not speak out, afraid of what these authority figures might do to hurt their reputation (Whitley and Page, 2015). There are laws in the U.S., that protect women, that protect college students, and prevent anyone from being denied full rights such as gaining a college education. Yet, anyone who reads the daily newspaper can discover that these laws help, but do not keep both women and men safe from inequality (Ravitz, 2016). The disregard of gender-inequality as an on-going issue is detrimental to college students, as it inhibits the decrease of sexual assault, sexist attitudes, and gender roles.
Part II: How will you approach the op-ed?
For my op-ed, I am using the Question and Answer (Myth v Reality) approach. Through this method I will be able to eliminate much of the bias that would come with a first person approach, considering that I am a female college student. I figured that this is an appropriate approach, as I am trying to prove that the issue of gender inequality is still present in society today.
To expose a myth, or disprove a popular belief is my main goal, and using this method will give me greater credibility as I will need to provide real facts to support my claims. I plan to show examples of cases of sexual harassment, and of studies that expose the problems of the existing sexist behaviors. As my topic seems to serve mainly the interest of females, I will like to prove to my readers that it relates more to society as a whole than it may appear.
Part III: How will you appeal to your audience?
My paper is targeted towards college students in the U.S.A., mostly those who have little knowledge of the issues regarding gender inequality, and the meaning of feminism. I plan to mainly use logos in order to support my claims; showing, with the aid of the chosen news articles and scholarly papers, the importance of addressing feminism to college students in order to decrease sexist attitudes. I will also use ethos, by exposing shocking numbers such as the percentage of women who admit to suffer from harassment and discrimination. Through the use of ethos, I will be able to prove that my topic affects the entire population. Lastly, I will use pathos, as I hope that some of the facts I provide will anger, and move my audience, leading them to take action.
Part IV: What are some opposing views to your position?
Those who are familiar with the law might argue that gender inequality is not detrimental to college students, because it is non-existent. According to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, it is unlawful to deny federal funds to any educational programs on the basis of sex (U.S Department of Labor). Showing that the laws of this country allow both sexes to attend college regardless of their income. Thus, it can be argued that as long as both males and females have the financial capacity to attend college, neither is hindered from gaining an education. There are also, many other laws that protect women, making both men and women equal under the law.
I will use my news articles, in order to show that the issue is still present in the public. And I will support my claims through the use of scholarly papers; as they deeply examine the problems that inequality brings, through research. These scholarly journal articles also provide a solution, which will also prove that the addressed issue can be diminished.
Part V: Conclusion.
There are massive misconceptions of feminism amongst college students today. Not only that, but there is a false sense of equality, that fools many millennials into believing that the fight for feminism is outdated. I will show through my op-ed, that sexual harassment, gender roles, and sexist attitudes are still being treated as non-issues, although they are still present. This disregard, proves that we still live in a society where equality has yet to be achieved. I will prove, with the aid of my research, that the fight for feminism, is not over, and as studies show, there is the possibility, despite popular belief, of lessening gender inequality even further.
Works Cited:
Whitley and Page. "Sexism at The Centre: Locating The Problem of Sexual Harassment." New Formations 86.86 (2015): 34-53.
Ravitz, Jessica. "The New Women's Movement: Reviving the ERA Fight." CNN. Cable News Network, 16 Apr. 2015. Web. 22 May 2016.
Stack, Liam. "Light Sentence for Brock Turner in Stanford Rape Case Draws Outrage." New
York Times 07 June 2016: A15. 06 June 2016. Web. 07 June 2016
Conner, Berkley. "Faces of Feminism: An Ideology Analysis of "Stop Telling Women to Sm Smile" 1-29. Web. May 2015.
"Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972." Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972. United States Department of Labor, n.d. Web. 09 June 2016.