by Wilhelmina S. Orozco
Some people have a mistaken notion that when a feminist writes, she or he invariably becomes biased. Folks a man can be feminist too as he believes in equality of the sexes.
I heard a writer say that she is not a feminist, and I was very surprised because she has been around since the 80's. So I am now writing down what could be called feminist writing. I invite the readers to send me their own opinions at my email: miravera2010@gmail.com
1. Feminist writing means that the writer takes particular care of pointing out the status and condition of women on the issue. If the issue is politics, then women's roles have to be highlighted, their number, their achievements, the obstacles to their full participation. If it is economy, then women's businesses, livelihood, and all means of eking out a living also have to be mention, including their population. You could do comparison, contrast or just plain description. The point is that things, issues about women and their views too have to be read. This is putting women as subjects not objects of media;
2. Feminist writing does not use the pronouns, he, his for describing professions, as these will masculinize them, meaning only men are considered appropriate for handling them;
3. Feminist writing is recognizing women's contributions in society, whether at home or in society;
4. Promoting equality in society is not abolishing men, but rather making society recognize everyone is valuable in the development and advancement of societies; and
5. Mentioning the history of why women are pushing for equality will deepen the public understanding and make them look kindly at every girl, female teenager, woman, mother, and grandmother.
Writing is more historically accurate and meaningful if people advance the role of women in society.
Picture from from Shifting the Gaze: Painting and Feminism September 12, 2010, to January 30, 2011, the Jewish Museum
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