5-A-1

=Home > Activity 5-A-1: Male Privilege=

Instructions:

 * 1) Read the poem, Male Privilege.
 * 2) In a word processing document, rewrite this poem from the perspective of a woman that lives in a society that does not marginalize her voice, actions, progress, etc.
 * 3) Post your poem to the course wiki:
 * Click the ** Edit ** tab in the upper-right corner.
 * Scroll down the page until you see the first empty space under "Participants' Poems."
 * Highlight the " Enter your name here. " text and type your name.
 * Copy your poem text from the word processing document. Highlight the " Paste your poem here. " text and paste your poem.
 * Press ** Save ** on the Editor bar.
 * 1) Provide feedback to at least one of your peers. To comment:
 * Click the ** Edit ** tab in the upper-right corner.
 * Scroll down the page until you see the comment section under the poem you want to comment on.
 * Type your comments followed by your first name and last initial.
 * Press ** Save ** on the Editor bar.

Participants' Poems

 * Name:** Dan Thomas


 * Poem:**
 * Privilege Rewritten**

You hear my voice: No more eye rolling, No more condescending smiles, My voice is important I am not just labeled as a category I am an individual What matters to me is heard I am listened to

You see my progress Just because I have a father or a husband doesn’t mean I don’t exist Abigail Adams, Sarah Hale, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony All dreamed of this day They fought for me to have an education A vote A right to property A right to determine my life

You see my actions There is no more glass ceiling No more hiding my talents I am a mother A wife A teacher A secretary An athlete A business owner A lawyer The President I can do anything And I am doing anything


 * Comments:**
 * Dan, I loved your poem! You have a gift. I particularly liked, and appreciated, the list of women who helped shape this country. They're often forgotten.**
 * Teresa W.**
 * Dan,**
 * I like how you included important women in history. I also like how you listed important titles to women, I especially like that you included president. I have four daughters and I always them them they can be anything. Your poem shows this also.**
 * Patty P.**


 * Name: Teresa Whitehouse**

I Am Privileged
 * Poem:**

I am privileged. I often walk alone at night not fearing what is around the corner. When I walk to my car in a parking lot, I don't worry about having my keys in my hand for easy entry, I have plenty of time to stand and fumble through my purse. Although there's a van or suspicious-looking car parked next to mine, I'm not worried.

I am privileged. My importance in society is not based on my physical appearance. I'm judged by my intelligence and how I treat others. Movies portray me as I see myself: strong, loving, capable. I was never told by a college professor that I'll never be taken seriously because I'm too pretty.

I am privileged. I never fear being raped by someone I know or a stranger. I am never propositioned by a high school teacher to raise a grade. My reputation is formed by my deeds, not if I had sex with someone in high school. It's easy for me to behave "lady-like" although my world may be crumbling around me.

I am privileged. I never think that a male is being nice to me for sexual favors. My doctor, lawyer, boss, or teacher would never use his power over me. I am valued in society and in my home. I've never been hit by someone I love.

I am privileged.


 * Comments: Theresa, I'm glad you included the ulterior motive, false niceness line or two. That has to happen to women way more than it happens to men, and it probably stinks. I was trying to work that idea into my poem, but failed. Yours hits the concept very well.**

Theresa, I also agree that the false niceness line was an excellent line and well said. Dan T.


 * Name:** Marcia Sangeorzan.


 * Poem: Privilege Rewritten**

Privilege is To do what I want, how I want, when I want, As good as anyone else regardless of gender I am strong, and independent. I am intelligent and successful. Don’t tell me I can’t I am determined to prove you wrong.

Privilege is having choices I can choose to be a mother and still have a career. Taking on many roles that represent being me Sister, daughter, mother, wife

Privilege is showing pride I am a woman and proud of it. Depending on the situation, I can be firm or gentle I can show emotions, but that doesn’t make me weak I can stand on my own two feet When I believe something is right or wrong.

Privilege is being an example I am a positive role model and example to future generations of women, as my mother was to me. For young girls the potentials and possibilities are endless Because they are smart and talented.

Privilege is believing Reaching for the stars, Never giving up, There is hope and success. As Helen Reddy sings, “I Am Strong” “I Am Invincible” “I Am Woman”

Marcia, I like your line about showing emotions and it not being a sign of weakness. I remember during the Hurricane Katrina crisis everyone in the media bashing the female governor for crying during a press conference when she was describing the neighborhoods under water. The pundits claimed she was showing weakness when she needed to project strength. I thought you could have criticized a lot about how the various levels of government handled that crisis but the criticism for her crying was completely unfair. Dan T.
 * Comments:**


 * Name:** Patty Price


 * Poem:**
 * Women of Privilege**

I am a woman of today, Living a life that women of the past could only dream. I can confidently go where I want to go, No matter the time of day. I have not the fears that others once possessed, I am strong and confident. When I speak people listen, They want to hear my ideas. They know when I speak, I have something important to say. I am thankful also for the pictures that changed. The magazine, computer and tv. They now show people like I see every day, No make-up or airbrush required. With various colors, shapes, and sizes. We celebrate the difference in each of us. No one better than another. The best person for the job gets the best pay. And car dealers make the best deals to all. When your car breaks down there is no fear, That multiple things will need to be fixed. Trips to the beach are for enjoying oceans and sand, It matters not what you wear. Times have changed from long ago. When the value of women was low. We leant from our past, We have equality at last.

Patty, I like your comment about car dealers. It is so true (and sad) that some people try to make money off of a stereotype. Dan T.
 * Comments:**

Patty and Dan, I also like your comment about car dealers. I felt this way last week when my hot water heater went out. Of course I know nothing about them, other than I probably would need it replaced. I didn't have time to shop around so I called a plumber. He was very nice and said that he could come out that night and would not charge for services after 6:00pm. Needless to say it was very expensive and I found out later that I probably paid way too much., but I had hot water. Marcia S.


 * Name:** Brian Reinking

privilege is simple: going for a run on well-lit streets that are patrolled frequently by the police, having an equal voice at the meeting table, knowing that some Old Boy Network is not at play to thwart and negate all the hard work I’ve done to move up in the company, privilege is seeing healthy, natural versions of my body in the news—bodies that belong to women older than twenty, to women who have had three meals a day, and to women who have not been under the plastic surgeon’s knife privilege is running at night in my neighborhood, without fear, without a mandatory running partner, and without mace privilege is the legal right to have an abortion if I need one, wearing what I feel comfortable in, and being represented in colleges and universities almost 60-40 percent privilege is seeing my gender as the hero, not the princess, in Disney films. privilege not having to make the impossible decision between being a good mom and being a career woman privilege is not being the subject of the male gaze privilege is going through a day’s routine activities without feeling like I’ve being stared at, evaluated, or found wanting by ogling eyes privilege is eating a second helping without raising eye brows privilege is seeing my gender in history books woven into the narrative, not as an add-on, in science books, and in literature anthologies privilege is choosing not to be a mom privilege is a first-lock, first-use bathroom policy privilege is seeing my gender in combat privilege is elementary girls’ soccer privilege is strong female Olympians, a viable professional women’s soccer league, a self-sustaining WNBA, a fairer implementation of Title IX, and comfortable undergarments. privilege is equal pay, a smashed glass ceiling, 25 US senators, and a president of my gender.
 * Poem:**


 * Comments:** The original poem was a bit dated, I feel. I hope some things have changed in thirty years, but I'm know there's a long road ahead for to equity.

Brian, you included some excellent ideas in your poem. Having a young daughter who loves princesses, your comment about the Disney films is true. -Elizabeth


 * Name:**Elizabeth Wilson


 * __Celebration__**

I am beyond marginalization I don’t need your admiration Because I have an aspiration I am not daunted by any arithmetic operation Or calculation Or scientific exploration I can be head of a corporation For equal compensation Or achieve higher education Be on the board of any association I have no limitation I walk alone without consideration No fear of victimization I use open communication Without humiliation Enter any social situation With complete validation I feel less frustration And more liberation A total transformation I am beyond marginalization

-Elizabeth Wilson


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