How to Become an Authority on Feminism
To become an authority on feminism is different from simply calling oneself a feminist. Intense study is required to make a person an authority on any subject including this one. To be recognized as an authority on feminism requires time, energy, concentration and commitment.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Find an accredited course of study on feminism. You need formal education in the subject to truly become an authority. Consider enrolling in a women's studies program at university. Earning a degree in this field will further your reputation as a feminist authority. Speak with the dean of the women's studies department for information regarding how many credit hours are needed and what classes should be taken.
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Study feminist history and writings on your own. Read the books and articles concerned with women's suffrage and other equal rights issues. Take a look at "Feminism: The Essential Historical Writings" by Miriam Schneir, "Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics" by Bell Hooks and "No Turning Back: The History of Feminism and the Future of Women" by Estelle Freedman to get you started (see Resources below).
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Research feminist organizations, such as the National Organization for Women (NOW), in order to further your learning (see Resources below). Speak to the someone to get information regarding the functioning of the organization. Join the group if you like what they have to offer.
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Attend marches or rallies that support feminist causes. Listen to the speakers and learn from their lectures. Participate in the experience to deepen your commitment to feminism and facilitate your journey to becoming an authority on the subject. When you are ready, become a speaker yourself.
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Join a women's group devoted to feminism or read feminist blogs (see Resources below). Be open to the views and opinions of everyone in the group. Focus particularly on the older women in the group and the ones who have been feminists for the longest amount of time. Follow their examples in your employment of a feminist lifestyle.
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Examine different factors within feminism including ecofeminism, which teaches the connection of women to nature, separatist feminism, which promotes the separation of females from male dominated arenas, and religious feminism, which seeks to understand and interpret equality in terms of the world's major religions.
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Tips & Warnings
Being an authority on feminism doesn't require a degree, but you should have extensive knowledge on past and present viewpoints that have shaped the ideology over the years.
