å Tuesday, March 7th, 2017

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3094897/Readings_S17/Midterm_WRHR_3_17.pdf

Toni Mitchell

Assign 5-

They say knowledge is power and indeed it is, but it seems as though the more I read the more upsetting it is to unfold the truth. V. Spike Peterson and Laura Parisi pealed back a layer of our Declaration in regards to the arguments surrounding the lack of focus placed on gender identity and its influence upon the political realm. In the essay “Are women human? Its Not an Academic Question”, Peterson and Parisi express the need for heterosexism as oppose androcentrism when examining the relationship between women and human rights. Heterosexism is basically the assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual and that heterosexuality is the only normal, natural sexual orientation. Which brings me to my next point, if androcentrism is defined as the focus of men and heterosexism focused on the distinction of men and women; don’t they fall on hand in hand? Either way it is the man of power who gets the final draw.

I must admit that I grew up recognizing heterosexism is the “normal” way of life and for one to in be involve with the same sex or identify themselves as another sex was against the norms. It wasn’t until I’d recognize the true state of freedom did I then begin to see no barrier in regards to gender (there goes that word again), race, social/economical background. The term Heterosexism itself not only discriminates against other sexual preferences but also the discussion of human rights as to pertains to woman and man. The tittle of the essay itself raises the question of whether or not women are considered human beings. The marital contract for instance is the perfect example of how men continuously manipulate the female species. As a female, one is expected to aspire to idea of marriage. Think about it; a majority of little girls by the age of three want to be princesses living in a castle with handsome prince. If you pay closer attention, it is always the princess who needs saving. Once again unconsciously promoting the degradation of women.

We as a society will associate the terms heterosexuals with reproduction and abortion with murder a way to further institutionalize women. We lay the burden of [the] continuation of life based upon the male and female being with each other as if there aren’t other way to conceive a child. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the current president of the united states seems pro Antiabortion. In my opinion the only person who should have a say in abortion is the woman, for it is her body. It is the one thing she has claim over; ones own property. Isn’t property what make one “human”?

In today’s society, people have been taught that heterosexualism is a way of life. For men and women to be identify as a “normal” couple.  Since the beginning of time, “the Bible” has stated this in its writing as first came man and then a woman. This as been taught over and over it has been passed down by generations. The word “heterosexism” means “it can include the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only normal and therefore superior”.

Women rights are marginalized in three generations of rights. The first right is civil and political liberties. This is criticized by women and is consider “men’s rights”. The second generation rights , economic, social and cultural rights and to be a limited degree cultural rights. But the second generation rights fail to address, economic, social and cultural issues.(pg. 147). Women are consider “secondary”, what they do is not important or taken serious by men. The third generation of rights, seeks to preserve the integrity of a particular cultural, ethic or indigenous group through the right of self- determination (pg. 151) . This group is emphasized on culture instead of the rights of the identities of the people. The groups rights would be problematic for promoting women’s rights. Women should have the right to reproductive rights, fair job wages, own their property, free education (to learn to read and write).

In some cultures today, women have no rights at all. They are only good to reproduce and take care of the family. That is their only sole purpose. I work as a Caseworker for senior center, some men and women see me and are surprise. I guess since I am a woman of color, minority. A lot of women praise me and some tell me they wish they could of went to school and learn to read and write. In my experience a lot of women because they are women are disproportionately affected with basic life needs ( income, healthcare and shelter). A lot of women in NYC are homeless. As I read this chapter “Are women human?” it is clear that men rights are the human rights under heterosexual social relations. And how rights for women are a problem. This oppression must continue to be eliminated and women must continue to change men views. During this time of 2017, I believe things are changing maybe not as quick but in time we will see good changes for women.