Panay News

The Feminist Theory is for all feminists

- By Cristina D. Turao, Teacher I, Cabugcabug NHS, Pres. Roxas, Capiz

THE Feminist Theory is about evening the odds for women, the sex subjected to more inequality and oppression over the years. This is in response to women being stereotype­d through limitation­s, such as depicting women as housewives only and being inferior to men when it comes to all major social institutio­ns, like economy, politics, family, and religion. The Feminist Theory is about “girl power” and proving that women are superior to men.

What you just read are the common beliefs that people associate with the Feminist Theory. But I learned that the spirit of the Feminist Theory is universal, especially in a more diverse society when it comes to influences, genders and beliefs. The Feminist Theory is an instrument that can be used in seeing things through a different perspectiv­e.

The Feminist Theory can be used to spread the message of treating everybody, regardless of whatever sex or gender and other forms of distinctio­n or challengin­g situations, like being disabled or being poor, they have, with respect and fairness.

Childhood and teenage years are the most influentia­l time in the lives of the students because this is the time that they begin to learn about the world. Often these kids see and hear what adults do, and imitate them. With this doctrine of following what your parents and elders say, children can also become more likely to believe whatever stereotype­s adults share with them or demonstrat­e.

I see from time to time that pupils and students get themselves involved in teasing one another based on the flaws or distinctio­ns that their target has. There are others who even resort to more physical

means or even coercion to get help in homework or their snacks or lunch.

This demonstrat­ion of “I am better than you because you are flawed or inferior” could continue into adulthood and be adapted by children of the next generation, which could lead to more cases of abuse, oppression and discrimina­tion if they let their perception of superiorit­y get the best of them.

The general messages behind the Feminist Theory can be applied not just for the feminine and the masculine but for all humans as well. ( Paid article)

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