Feminism and the Importance of Identity Politics Essay Example for Free

Feminism and the Importance of Identity Politics Essay â€Å"To be feminist in any authentic sense of the term is to want for all people, female and male, liberation from sexist role patterns, domination, and oppression†. Bell Hooks succinctly sums up what it means to be a feminist, and yet when we look to the feminist movement and feminist theorizing today, we see a disturbingly different picture. In a social movement founded on equality for all human beings, the patriarchy and its’ power structures have still made a negative impact in the way this movement is shaped and perpetuated, especially in terms of intersectionality and identity politics. Whose voices are heard? What issues are prioritized? Who is considered a â€Å"true† feminist? When we ask how and why issues of identity and intersectionality are relevant to feminist theorizing, the answer is simple. When the true and complex identities of individuals and social groups are ignored, what forms is a limiting and narrow view inherently oppositional to the movement’s foundation and goals. Essentially, ignoring these issues means perpetuating the oppression the movement itself is trying to fight. What follows is a brief analysis on three reasons why feminists should care about identity and individuals with complex identities: 1) addressing oppressions in a movement dedicated to eliminating all oppression, 2) identifying the negative consequences of elision of difference, and 3) recognizing the real importance of intersectionality in terms of survival in the real world, as opposed to simply theorizing in academics. While the feminist movement is explicitly dedicated to fighting racism and any other types of â€Å"isms†, we see that typically marginalized groups continue to be marginalized within the movement. These groups are well aware of this oppression, yet how often their voices are heard or even considered are slim to none. In a statement from Black feminists part of The Combahee River Collective, it is explained that there was â€Å"the need to develop a p olitics that was anti-racist, unlike those of White women, and anti-sexist, unlike those of Black and white men† (CRC: 59). As members of two oppressed groups in society, Black women face the highest obstacles in their pursuit of complete liberation, especially because of the dominant narrative and voices that have typically commandeered the political movement. As Kimberle Crenshaw purports, â€Å"the need to split one’s political energies between two  sometimes opposing groups is a dimension of intersectional disempowerment that men of color and white women seldom confront† (Crenshaw: 85). The intersectional experience of White women have typically dominated the women’s movement as White women have had more accessibility and opportunity to speak out/theorize academically as opposed to Black women. Thus, the experiences of Black women – which are distinguishably different from the White woman’s are essentially absent from the discussion, an issue that is highly problematic as it points to racism and oppression within a social justice movement (not to mention a limited perspective). Feminist theorists and activists must make sure to account for intersectional experiences in order to avoid this hypocrisy. Specifically, White feminists and activists must understand that their role as genuine activists in the movement mandates a need to be educated and literate in Black history and culture, something that the Combahee River Collective has explicitly called for. As they argue, â€Å"eliminating racism in the white women’s movement is by definition work for white women to do, but we will continue to speak to and demand accountability on this issue† (CRC: 63). Being a conscientious and fully aware member of this movement involves more than addressing intersectionality and racism within the movement. Feminist theorists need to identify the importance of 1) making the personal political, and subsequently 2) avoiding the harmful and common elision of differences between and within groups. These two ideas cannot happen or be fully achieved without the other. The first step requires a great deal of honesty and self-reflection, which may come with some discomfort and pain, a reason that many individuals may avoid this introspection. As Mari Matsuda argues in her article, â€Å"by claiming, exploring, and questioning my own identity in an explicit way, I seek truth, and I seek to encourage my students to do the same† (Matsuda: 75). Feminist theorists must consider the value of truth and justice over any type of discomfort or personal guilt that blocks the path towards complete liberation for all. Just as honesty is crucial in terms of oppression within the movement, it is also key in recognizing privilege. Matsuda supports this idea: â€Å"I do not know of any other politics of social change that works other than the one that asks people to explore deeply their own location on the axes of power† (Matsuda:  76). Once one has a certain amount of self-awareness and recognizes their privilege, only then can they be able to avoid ignoring intragroup differences. Ergo, the White woman cannot fully understand the complexity struggle of a Black woman’s experience in the movement if she does not understand her own privilege over the Black woman within the same movement. While intersectionality is quite real in the day-to-day lives of women, feminist theory has typically categorized identity as a limiting either/or dichotomy between â€Å"woman† or â€Å"person of color†, leaving women of color marginalized. In terms of violence against women, Crenshaw argues that this elision of difference is harmful because it is perpetuating the violence by not fully understanding how multiple dimensions of woman’s identity contribute to her experience. For example, in our society ruled by a racist/patriarchal structure and system, battered women of color face poverty and racially discriminatory employment/housing, thus have a much harder time finding shelter and support. The elision of difference can also be harmful because it poses as a threat to solidarity – ignoring intragroup differences simply continue to raise tension between these sub groups and ultimately harms the progress of the movement, which requires everyone to stand with one another. Lastly, feminist theorists must recognize the importance of intersectionality and identity as transcendent issues that go beyond simply theorizing and play a very real role in the lives of women every day. As Crenshaw argues, â€Å"The struggle over incorporating these differences is not a petty or superficial conflict about who gets to sit at the head of the table. In the context of violence, it is sometimes a deadly serious matter of who will survive and who will not† (Crensaw: 89). The commonly shared assumption that battering is a minority problem, for example, exemplifies the issues with ignoring intersectionality/identity. Battering is a human problem, and if a Latina woman cannot get shelter from a husband threatening to kill her multiple times because she can’t prove she is English-proficient, then something is very wrong. These exclusionary policies are inherently oppositional to the goal of human liberation and the women’s movement, and if feminist theorists do not address this, then not only will real change remain absent, but we will continue to lose the lives  of women around the world. These are human beings that deserve to live and exercise their rights; that deserve to celebrate their multi-dimensional identity, instead of suffer from it because feminist theory and societal structure are ignoring them. Feminist theorists, we need you to be honest with yourselves and your privilege. We need you to address the complexity and beauty of every individual, help use these differences to resist against oppression instead of perpetuate it, and ultimately harness and use the full power of group solidarity to truly and genuinely fight for human liberation.

Torte Law :: legal trial court

1. Explain the most important role of the trial judge in a legal proceeding. Answer1. The most important role of the trial judge is to keep order in the court and is in charge when a jury is present to make sure that the lawyers do not use improper methods to influence the jury during the case. 2. When a trial court makes a legal error in deciding case, what steps must the party take to have the legal error reviewed? Answer 2. If the trial court makes an error then the party needs to take the case to the appeals court. The job of the appeals court is to review the proceeding of the trial court and correct legal errors made by the trial judge. They must accept all the trial court’s 3. Why does a person seek an equitable (equity) remedy in a civil case when instead of a remedy law? Describe difference between an equitable remedy at law Answer 3. A remedy is a form of court enforcement of a legal right resulting from a successful civil lawsuit. Remedies fall into three general categories: (1) Damages - monetary compensation for the plaintiff's losses, injury, and/or pain or restitution measures designed to restore the plaintiff's status to what it was prior to the violation of his or her rights, (2) Coercive remedies - requiring a party to do or omit doing a specific act through injunctive relief or a court order of specific performance (3) Declaratory judgment - the court determines individual rights in a specific situation without awarding damages or ordering particular action. Monetary damages are often referred to as a legal remedy while coercive and declaratory remedies are termed equitable remedies. 4. State the name of the document used to commence a civil lawsuit against a defendant. Answr4. The name of the document used to commence a civil lawsuit against a defendant is called â€Å"summons† 5. Define substantive law-sets out the rights and duties governing people as thy act in society. Creates or defines rights, privileges, duties, obligations, and causes of action that can be enforced by law Define procedural law- law that prescribes the procedures and methods for enforcing rights and duties. Procedural law establishes the rules under which the substantive rules of law are enforced. 6. Define judicial law-law of or relating to a judgment, the function of judging, the administration of justice, or the judiciary a) State when federal court can review the decision of a state court on a legal question?

Importance of Marketing

An explanation of the importance of marketing to your selected organization’s success Marketing is a very important aspect in business since it contributes greatly to the success of the organization. Production and distribution depend largely on marketing. These two concepts are different in many aspects. Marketing covers advertising, promotions, public relations, and sales. It is the process of introducing and promoting the product or service into the market and encourages sales from the buying public. The goal of marketing is to make our product, Mango Power widely known and recognized to the market, marketers must be creative in their marketing activities. In this competitive nature of many businesses, getting Mango Power noticed is not that easy. Strategically, Pepsico must be centered on the customers more than the Mango Power products. Although good and quality products are also essential, the buying public still has their personal preferences. We will need to target more of their needs, they will come back again and again and even bring along recruits. If we push more on the product and disregard their wants and the benefits they can get, we will lose our customers in no time. The hardest part is getting them back. The only means to be made known is to advertise and promote. Pepsico may be spending on the advertising and promotional programs but the important thing is that Mango Power and Pepsico information is disseminated to the buying public. Offline and online marketing make it possible for the people to be educated with the various products and services that they can take advantage of. Pepsico must invest in marketing so as not to miss the opportunity of being discovered. If expense is to be considered, there are cost-effective marketing techniques Pepsico can embark on such as pay-per-click ads and blogging. Marketing helps boost sales and revenue growth. It will generate sales once the public learns about your Mango Power through TV advertisements, radio commercials, newspaper ads, online ads, and other forms of marketing. The more people hear and see more of our advertisements, the more they will be interested to buy. Pepsico aims to increase the sales percentage and double the production, the marketing department must be able to come up with effective and strategic marketing plans. Pepsico and Mango Power must have the ability to conquer the general market, marketers aim to create a brand name recognition or product recall. This is a technique for the consumers to easily associate the brand name with the images, logo, or caption that they hear and see in the advertisements. For example, McDonalds is known for its arch design which attracts people and identifies the image as McDonalds. For some companies, building a reputation to the public may take time but there are those who easily attract the people. With an established name in the industry, a business continues to grow and expand because more and more customers will purchase the products or take advantage of the services from a reputable company. In conclusion, marketing plays a very essential role in the success of a company. It educates people on the latest market trends, helps boost a company’s sales and profit, and develops company reputation. But marketers must be creative and wise enough to promote their products with the proper marketing tactics. Although marketing is important, if it is not conducted and researched well, the company might just be wasting on expenses and time on a failed marketing approach. References: Exforsys Inc. ,Published on: 6th Nov 2009 Last Updated on: 4th Jan 2011 PEPSICO 2010 Full Annual Report Importance of Marketing An explanation of the importance of marketing to your selected organization’s success Marketing is a very important aspect in business since it contributes greatly to the success of the organization. Production and distribution depend largely on marketing. These two concepts are different in many aspects. Marketing covers advertising, promotions, public relations, and sales. It is the process of introducing and promoting the product or service into the market and encourages sales from the buying public. The goal of marketing is to make our product, Mango Power widely known and recognized to the market, marketers must be creative in their marketing activities. In this competitive nature of many businesses, getting Mango Power noticed is not that easy. Strategically, Pepsico must be centered on the customers more than the Mango Power products. Although good and quality products are also essential, the buying public still has their personal preferences. We will need to target more of their needs, they will come back again and again and even bring along recruits. If we push more on the product and disregard their wants and the benefits they can get, we will lose our customers in no time. The hardest part is getting them back. The only means to be made known is to advertise and promote. Pepsico may be spending on the advertising and promotional programs but the important thing is that Mango Power and Pepsico information is disseminated to the buying public. Offline and online marketing make it possible for the people to be educated with the various products and services that they can take advantage of. Pepsico must invest in marketing so as not to miss the opportunity of being discovered. If expense is to be considered, there are cost-effective marketing techniques Pepsico can embark on such as pay-per-click ads and blogging. Marketing helps boost sales and revenue growth. It will generate sales once the public learns about your Mango Power through TV advertisements, radio commercials, newspaper ads, online ads, and other forms of marketing. The more people hear and see more of our advertisements, the more they will be interested to buy. Pepsico aims to increase the sales percentage and double the production, the marketing department must be able to come up with effective and strategic marketing plans. Pepsico and Mango Power must have the ability to conquer the general market, marketers aim to create a brand name recognition or product recall. This is a technique for the consumers to easily associate the brand name with the images, logo, or caption that they hear and see in the advertisements. For example, McDonalds is known for its arch design which attracts people and identifies the image as McDonalds. For some companies, building a reputation to the public may take time but there are those who easily attract the people. With an established name in the industry, a business continues to grow and expand because more and more customers will purchase the products or take advantage of the services from a reputable company. In conclusion, marketing plays a very essential role in the success of a company. It educates people on the latest market trends, helps boost a company’s sales and profit, and develops company reputation. But marketers must be creative and wise enough to promote their products with the proper marketing tactics. Although marketing is important, if it is not conducted and researched well, the company might just be wasting on expenses and time on a failed marketing approach. References: Exforsys Inc. ,Published on: 6th Nov 2009 Last Updated on: 4th Jan 2011 PEPSICO 2010 Full Annual Report

The Era Of The Gilded Age - 986 Words

1865 marked the beginning of the Gilded Age a time period known for its innovations, corruption, progress and violence. At the same time as the phonogram and automobiles were being produced the major corporations employed child labor and offered deplorable working conditions. Laborers soon rose together to form labor unions that would have a fair advantage when dealing with large corporations. One of the pros of being a Unionist was the great numbers of unionists in several states this facilitated international strikes and placed pressure on the corporations. Depending on social class and economic background the antagonist and protagonist of the era were either large corporations or their wage workers. Members of the middle class were unsympathetic toward the Unionist at strike and prominent members of society. For example, Henry Ward Beecher and Henry Clew both members of the middle class clearly expressed their discontent towards the strikers. Unionist, and their family members, de fended their actions and the Pullman strikers and Samuel Gompers were their advocates. Henry Ward Beecher, a member of the middle class, regarded the labor union strikes as irrational acts. He described them as â€Å"transient bubbles, which burst as soon as they were formed. They sprang from ignorance and passion.† He degraded strikers to nothing more than desperate souls that could not provide for themselves or their families. Beecher, along with most the middle class, spoke in an apathetic toneShow MoreRelatedThe Era Of The Gilded Age1153 Words   |  5 PagesFrom 1865 to 1900, the American industry paved the way for an era like none that has been seen before. The country built and invented more supplies and materials than anyone had thought possible. Even though, this time in history seemed progressive on many fronts, it was known as the â€Å"Gilded Age†. The Gilded Age was a three decade time in America that involved an expanding economy and a useless government. The thought of going to an American city, getting a job, and getting paid was ideal t o mostRead MoreThe Era Of The Gilded Age1843 Words   |  8 Pagesright or wrong. The Gilded Age gave the late nineteenth century a popular name by which to be remembered. The term reflected the combination of outward wealth and dazzle with inner corruption and poverty. Given the period’s absence of powerful and charismatic presidents, its lack of a dominant central events, and its sometimes tawdry history, historians have often defined the period by negatives. The time stressed greed, scandals, and corruption of the Gilded Age. The era was crammed with corruptionRead MoreThe Gilded Age And The Progressive Era3319 Words   |  14 PagesThe Gilded Age and the Progressive Era were times of great change for women in the United States, and women entered into a new standard of living. As times progressed and new advances were made in both society and technology, people had to learn how to adapt to those changes while still being an asset and following societal rules. The purpose of this paper is to acknowledge the reformations and changes brought to people and society by women during the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era. RegardlessRead MoreThe Progressive Era Of The Gilded Age1465 Words   |  6 Pagescomes consequences. Industrialization of the United States had indirectly tarnished the Gilded Age, and now that this era was coming to an end, reformers were left to clean up the mess. Hence, the Progressive era was born. The Progressive movement was based in the urban middle class and focused on the improveme nt of society, the economy, and politics. Yet, the movement was not unified. Each reform group of the era had a separate goal that they would focus on. Each president also had a separate visionRead MoreThe Progressive Era Of The Gilded Age1455 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout the progressive era there were many reform movements due to the abundance of political, social, and economical corruption in America in the gilded age as seen by political machines like William Marcy tweed and American financiers like J.P. Morgan. Some of the many issues that made themselves present in the gilded age include the large wealth gap, child labor, women’s lack of rights, influx of immigrants, Urbanization, Indian wars, monopolists, political machines, and alcoholism. All ofRead MoreThe Gilded Age : The Challenges Of The Progressive Era1344 Words   |  6 PagesThe Gilded Age was associated with many difficulties - unprecedented fortunes and poverty, urban squalor, unhygienic food production , and other issues – that many Americans were left to deal with. In the early 1900s, â€Å"widespread dissatisfaction with new trends in American society spurred the Progressive Era, named for the various ‘progressive’ movements that attracted various constituencies around various reforms† (Andrew et al. 1). This new era was the age in which people tried to solve problemsRead MoreThe Gilded Age : An Era Of Extreme Corruption1169 Words   |  5 PagesWar, America enters the Gilded Age from 1877 till about the 1890’s. Then the next era would be the Progressive Era beginning from where the Gilded Age left off till around 1920. Though these eras are accepted in the historical community, some historians argue that it is useless to label these two as separate eras in American history. One historian is Rebecca Edwards in her article Politics, Social Movement, and the Periodization of U.S. History. She argues that the Gilded Age and the Progressive shouldR ead MoreAnalysis Of The Gilded Age And Progressive Era1108 Words   |  5 PagesAnalysis of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era Throughout the history of time, people named certain time periods based on the events that occurred. People considered the time from the 1890s to 1916 as a shift of the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era when many things changed dramatically. The â€Å"Gilded Age† was the time of innovation, invention, and rapid growth, but the presence of monopolies sprouted everywhere in American’s economy and led to social inequalities. Then the Progressive Era responded toRead MoreThe Vibrant and Unpredictable Era of the Gilded Age1050 Words   |  4 PagesThe Gilded Age was one of the most vibrant and unpredictable eras in the history of America. It brought about a new wave of industrial and economic opportunities that allowed some to build massive businesses and fortunes, while other lower and middle class citizens struggled to survive. Some would go as far to say it created a war between the classes across American societies. Giants of industry, such as Andrew Carnegie and J ohn D. Rockefeller, revolutionized how big business led to the riseRead MoreThe Gilded Age : The Gilded Age915 Words   |  4 PagesThe Gilded Age, was a brief period in American history, from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s, where there was a rapid economic growth as the industry expanded, generating groundbreaking opportunities for individuals. At its triumph peak, society was perceived from the outside that the new era of Americans was prosperous, however, conspicuous consumption and luxury masked corruption and the fact that a majority of people were suffering. Like gilded gold, the outside looks exemplary, but much like