Precious Amaechi
Professor Arruda
Woman & Gender Studies
6th November 2023
Final Essay
Final Essay
First off, I just wanted to say that this class taught me more about the work that still needs to be done as a collective. Based on Chapter 7, women are doing extra work at home while working the same hours a man is doing. While women are working at their jobs AND at home, men have more leisure time to catch up with their old buddy from work. It’s NOT fair that in addition, women are not even getting paid the same on an hourly basis. Women deserve reparation for all the work they have done for so little.
Secondly, I learned about intersectionality. Every group of individuals suffer from their own set of discrimination. For example, a woman with a disability may suffer from discrimination because of her gender. She may also face discrimination because of her disability. I learned that we discover our level of advantage and privilege based on our social location. I was also taught that Asian American women make the most money compared to all other races of women, while Native American women make the least amount of money .. even compared to Black Women. I found this information to be shocking.
Lastly, I learned about Cyntoia Brown. She was convicted for killing a man when she was only 16 years old. I learned that going through abuse (sexually, emotionally, physically etc.) can make a huge impact on anyone’s development. The abuse can go all the way back to three generations, which explains why she felt the need to commit that offense. I learned that there’s always a reason as to why someone may commit a crime. People aren’t born criminals. Cyntoia is human, and may have been tired of being treated poorly, so killing someone may have given her that validation that she needed that time. I don’t want to make an excuse for her, but I just want to point out that there is a reason for everything.
During my previous job, I was given the opportunity to work with Sean Monterrosa’s family. Specifically his sisters, who gave me the privilege to work in a program called “Horizons Unlimited.” This online class brought back positive memories of working with marginalized individuals who were “at risk”. They needed the support from people who’ve been in their shoes before. Sean’s story still brings tears to their eyes as they dedicate their whole lives to social justice.
My brother plays a significant role in my life. “I’m not wearing any more hoodies.” (Reese.p.310) Black men are educators, students, and role models. This class reminded me that his life is questionable in the society we live in, no matter how “great” his style is. He barely made it out of the streets with his life. My brother was expelled from our highschool, because he got into a physical altercation with a disabled man.. Who threatened his life. Black men have to learn how to channel their anger at such a young age. They have to grow up fast because life will hit them the day they get into contact with the police.
“The goal is for you to get home alive.” This class reminded me that I was in fear of my brother’s safety growing up. Being a black man comes with discrimination (intersectionality) and extra caution. I knew I had to protect him at all cost, while also taking care of myself.
Although white women had to work hard to get the same leisure as white men, black women had to work twice as hard. “Domestic work in the US also carries the legacy
of slavery with its divisions of labor along lines of
both race and gender.” Black Women fought for universal suffrage as well as their own individual rights.
What I will take away from this class varies. I will start using my voice to advocate for what's right. I will stop suffering in silence. I will use my social media platform to speak about what makes me sick to my stomach. No longer will I sit while thousands are being killed overseas. I learned to lead by example.
Work Cited
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Gendered Lives: Intersectional Perspectives. Seventh edition, Oxford University Press, 2020.pp.310-313
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