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Michael Brennan
Steven Hall
English 1010

April 30, y
Modern Feminism, the Good and the Bad, the Power of History
Feminism is not a new concept in the world. The idea of equality is as pervasive
in history as humanity itself, and simultaneously, has been struggling against ancient
oppressive ideology. Modern feminism is very similar to other equal rights movements;
and, has been around for half a century. However, despite the significance of early
modern feminism, it seems many people still believe it to be in its infancy. Feminism has
taken a foothold in modern society, and will grow to outlast the ignorance of its colorful
history.
The 1960s were an iconic time where masses across the nation gathered to fight
varying forms of discrimination. Yet, feminist history takes much deeper strides into the
history of mankind. Even Confucius taught lessons to the early Chinese about gender
equality, and the concept of good and evil, extending to even within non-human species.
Despite the power of the teachings of Confucius, China became rife with gender
oppression.[Women themselves] practiced Confucian rituals that wholeheartedly in
their daily lives with strong faith in the moral-cosmological principles that allegedly
underpinned them. (Sungmoon 396) The Chinese are just one example of how the idea

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of feminism has fought to maintain balance for centuries. Modern Feminism is hardly
different, and is no less tragic.
Some scholars believe that the modern feminist movement started in 1963 with a
book called The Feminine Mystique. (Boucher) The books author, Betty Friedan, was a
housewife who wanted to speak out against unfair treatment of women. However,
Friedan was the target of many opposed to the new perspective. [Horowitz] does
position her squarely in [Communist Party] circles. (Boucher) More than a decade
passed after the publication of The Feminine Mystique, then another woman spoke up
to bring attention to the situation surrounding women. the Ladies Home Journal drew
attention to a hidden crisis threatening the nations wives and mothers. (Levenstein
1114) The article specifically addressed the situation one widow found herself in upon
the death of her husband. She was unable to support herself because she could not find
an employer who would hire a middle-aged inexperienced woman. At this time many
women were beginning to be forced into the workplace to compensate for a declining
economy. This transition of women into paid work has been one of the most important
social and economic changes to occur over the last four decades. (Reich) It was
becoming more and more obvious, to everyone, that women had a place in the world
beyond the household.
The lives of Friedan and Hill, and the publications revolving around their
misfortune, have had a significant impact on those directly affected by feminism. Yet in
recent years change has begun. The roles are shifting. (Levenstein 1114) However,

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there is still much to be done to change the overall perception of the movement itself.
The history of Friedan and Sommers was put to great scrutiny when cast in the public
light. These two individuals, powerful feminists, both belonged to the Communist Party.
It didnt take long before Communism was associated with Feminism. The effect of the
Cold War had permeated into the most humble roots of American culture. That
significantly affected how people viewed anything that had been rumored as communist
in any way.
The importance of equal rights is beyond measurement. Its history is full of love,
courage, and passion; but, it is also full of oppression, and ignorance. Our culture is
built upon equality, and our economy cannot thrive without it. Yet, despite this, there are
those who stand against it. The power of history can be both boon and bane to any
cause, even one whose morals place its merit above reproach.

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Works Cited

Kim, Sungmoon. "The Way To Become A Female Sage: Im Yunjidang's Confucian

Feminism." Journal Of The History Of Ideas 75.3 (2014): 395-416. Academic Search
Premier. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.

Levenstein, Lisa. "Don't Agonize, Organize!: The Displaced Homemakers Campaign

And The Contested Goals Of Postwar Feminism." Journal Of American History 100.4
(2014): 1114-1138. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.

Betty Friedan and the Radical Past of Liberal Feminism Joanne Boucher.
nova.wpunj.edu. New Politics. web n.d.

The Truth About the American Economy Robert Reich. n.p. May 30, 2011