There is a concerning backlash against feminism, evident in various aspects of society, such as the rise of men's rights groups and the conservative takeover of the Supreme Court.
The unfair treatment of Amber Heard in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial serves as a disheartening reminder of the challenges women face when trying to make accusations of domestic violence or abuse, especially when powerful men are involved.
The recent Dobbs decision poses a significant threat to reproductive rights and women's control over their own bodies, signaling a substantial setback for reproductive justice and a clear erosion of women's rights.
Deep dives
Backlash against Feminism
There is a concerning backlash against feminism, evident in various aspects of society, such as the rise of men's rights groups and the conservative takeover of the Supreme Court. This backlash is fueled by a fear that men are being victimized by feminism, leading to a cultural sense that men need to defend themselves from feminism.
The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard Trial
The discussion highlights the unfair treatment of Amber Heard in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial and the negative bias in media coverage. The trial serves as a disheartening reminder of the challenges women face when trying to make accusations of domestic violence or abuse, especially when powerful men are involved.
The Dobbs Decision and Reproductive Rights
The recent Dobbs decision poses a significant threat to reproductive rights and women's control over their own bodies. This decision reflects an underlying androcentric understanding of humanity, where women's rights to bodily autonomy are not adequately recognized. It signals a substantial setback for reproductive justice and a clear erosion of women's rights.
Girl Power Feminism and its Limitations
Girl power feminism emerged as a diluted and non-threatening version of feminism, focused on individual empowerment and superficial diversity. It allowed the status quo to remain largely unchallenged, benefiting mainly privileged white women. The symbol of the Wall Street 'Fearless Girl' statue epitomized this form of feminism, celebrated for confronting the bull but ultimately reinforcing existing power structures. Girl power feminism avoids critical self-reflection and fails to address the larger social structures that perpetuate gender inequality.
The Collective Action Problem in Feminism
Feminism faces a collective action problem as women lack the shared experiences and solidarities that often unite other marginalized groups. The diverse experiences of women across race, class, ethnicity, religion, and geography make resistance more difficult. Women are incentivized to conform to patriarchal norms due to economic and social pressure, perpetuating the birdcage of gender inequality. Solidarity and resistance are crucial in challenging these social structures, but the rationality of individual choices and the absence of common experiences make it harder to achieve collective change.
In the wake of #MeToo, the controversial Amber Heard-Johnny Depp trial, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, where does feminism stand today? In episode 58 of Overthink, Ellie and David explore feminist philosophy to diagnose the status and future of the feminist movement. To help think about these issues, they bring on Dr. Carol Hay, feminist philosopher and author of the book Think Like a Feminist: The Philosophy Behind the Revolution. The trio talk theories of oppression, recent anti-feminist backlash, capitalist appropriation of feminism (see: #girlboss), and more!
Works Discussed
Carol Hay, Think Like a Feminist: The Philosophy Behind the Revolution Susan Faludi, Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women Clotilde de Maricourt and Stephen R. Burrell, "#MeToo or #MenToo? Expressions of backlash and masculinity Politics in the #MeToo era." Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex
