Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Chapter 22 The Rise and Fall of World Communism

When reading this chapter I was particularily interested in the communist feminism section. Communist countries set the foundation for the upcoming feminist movements in the West. Numerous laws were passed to give women more rights and freedoms such as having the choice to taking their husband's last name or easily getting a divorce. Women were also allowed to make their own decisions about abortion and were given maternal leave from their jobs. The fact that women had jobs in these communist countries shocked me because at this time the women in the US were fighting for places in the working field even though the US was supposed to be a free country. Women became a large part of the industrialization and were trained to do many of the same jobs as men. An organization called Zhenotdel was set up to establish womens' place in the world with their new freedoms and opportunities. This organization promoted women and taught classes on literacy and prenatal care. When I read how the women in this group encouraged Muslim women to take off their veils I was reminded of the oppression of women in the middle east. I find it remarkable and sad that these communist countries gave their women so much freedom back in the 1900's and today the Muslim women have little if any control over their own lives. Even the women in China progressed in spite of the strong patriarichal society. They managed to enable the Marriage Law of 1950 that allowed the women to choose their own partners, own their own property, and put an end to child marriage. The Women's Federation was created and helped women become more active in the communities outside their homes. Even though many of these women's movements did not last very long they introduced women to the idea of equality. I think it is incredible that the women of this time were able to make such an impact despite everything else that was going on in the communist countries.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Chapter 21 The Collapse and Recovery of Europe

When reading about World War I, also known as the "Great War" I realized how much of an impact the war had on the contries of both sides of the battle field. Germany and Britain were both deeply effected by the war they engaged themselves in. The war was "Great" because it took on immense power because the ally system that was created to maintain peace between the great nations of the world backfired to back up the opposing sides in World War I. The people back home in their contries believed the war would be over soon and their men would be home before Christmas, but were only left to keep hoping as the war trudged on for four years. There was little advancement in the war because of the system "trench warfare" that left millions dead in fights that only moved enemy lines a few yards. The impact the war had on its homelands led to "total war" in which the participation of the people at home in the nations at war was required to help support the troops. The poster shown at this part in the chapter shows the propoganda used to encourage women to join in the working class in factories to produce the supplies needed by their troops. Women on both sides of the war took over the jobs their men had left behind as their efforts to support their nations. I found it interesting that this part in the book did not speak more about the role women played in World War I. Women were the diving force tat supplied te products needed such as uniforms and artillery. In the time of the Women's Suffrage Movement, these women were finally given a chance to work in the factories that were previously limited to men. Women were able to experience the liberty of working for themselves and feeling that they too could be an important part in the fight for their countries even if they were not allowed on the battlefield. This movement ultimately led to the increase in jobs for women and was unintentionally a big step in their movement towards equality.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Comment on What kind of -ist Hannah Teter Is

Hannah Teter and Vonn are humanists. They believe in the natural beauty and wonders of the human body. As olypmic athletes these women know a lot about the abilities of the human body and probably have a great appreciation for all the body can do. Vonn and Teter are women who train constantly and push their bodies tho the limit, it is only natural for them to love their bodies. Taking pictures of their bodies does not bother Vonn becasue she thinks that people should be more comfortable with nudity. I agree with the athletes that the human body should be observed and appreciated for its beauty. The body is incredible and should be marvelled for its abilities. I feel that people like olymipic athletes have more right to show off their hard earned bodies than the women in other magazines who have artifically created their bodies.