http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/18/living/technology-empowering-women-identity/
This is a really interesting article on CNN about the
relationship between feminism and the use of technology. The interesting thing
is that the Internet can be both helpful and harmful to feminist. Two strengths
the article highlights with the use of technology with woman’s issues are the
ability to connect and the ability of woman to have a voice. A cool point the
article made was how different it would have been if woman’s rights activists
such as Gloria Steinem had a twitter in the 60s and 70s. Technology has had
such an impact on the world since its invention and it is astonishing to think
of the impact it could and still can make. It has allowed woman to talk about
their issues and connect around the world. The twist is that though it is very
helpful it can also be hurtful. The article states how it is as easy to order a
girl online, as it is to order a pizza. Technology has opened up sex trafficking
to a whole new level. Also, technology has led to many women be terrorized, ridiculed
and bullied. There is backlash and many times it can come from other feminists.
I think with all this in mind it is important that feminist work in a united
front.
Technology definitely helps putting a voice out in the society, but I agree that it also has negative side which is shown in the article as sex trafficking and social bullying. Just like everything else, one thing has a positive and negative affect to it.
ReplyDeleteHere is a scholarly article that addresses a very similar topic if you are interested. It discusses whether or not online forums and web sites can succeed in creating communities that promote women's voices in an effective manner. It should be available on through the Pius Library databases.
ReplyDeleteFerree and Pudrovska, “ Transnational Feminist NGOs on the Web: Networks and Identities in the Global North and South,” in Global Feminism, ed. Ferree and Tripp (NYU Press, 2006), 247-272.