Georgina Gonsalves- Core post #3 (Post Feminism)

 Referring to McRobbie-

As time has gone by since the feminism movement gained movement in 1990, the argument has shifted from Sexism to Self Choice. Over the last few generations, opinions have shifted greatly, specifically in the use of female bodies in advertising and media. For example, McRobbie mentions an ad with a supermodel in lingerie in a car commercial. This is in my opinion very relevant to the current generation. During the feminist movement, this was seen as sexist and objectifying, but some opinions in the younger generation would consider this empowering, as a form of female success, because this model CHOSE to present herself this way, this represents an entire generation of women who emphasize and support women's rights to chose in every aspect of their lives without judgement. Especially in a time that is "post-Me Too Movement", this has strengthened the emphasis on women's right to chose, as well as bringing the importance of consent forward. The Me Too Movement shed light on the despicable acts of sexual harassment, assault, and manipulation of women in the entertainment industry. This created a wave of female empowerment in a different way that feminism did, women are now more empowered by flaunting their bodies and support body positivity; choosing for themselves how to live, what to wear, and not to feel shame or give any means of consent by what they choose to wear. A point made by McRobbie in relevance to this, a striptease can be seen as female exploitation in the eyes of a feminist, while post-feminists would see this an an act of choice. 

In my opinion, I don't believe feminism has become undone because the feminism movement was much more than sexuality. Efforts are still being made for equal pay (though unequal pay still happens often), women are fighting for reproductive rights more than ever, and women are achieving high levels of success continuously. Though it may be frowned upon by more traditional feminists, I believe that the women's right to choose is empowering. Women have always had such strong expectations and double standards, and are frowned upon anytime those expectations are broken or not met, while men are not faced with nearly as many expectations, or at least not shamed the same way women are in terms of sexuality. Women being able to choose for themselves is empowering because it breaks traditional standards that women are expected to follow, it makes society more equal that women can embrace our sexuality if we so choose, like men have done all through history, and reject feelings of shame that women have been taught for generations since childhood and systemically reinforced in the outside adult world. Self choice is a new branch of freedom for women that began with the feminist movement. This new movement gives women more power as they are normalizing self choice and self expression in all aspects of their lives, and the freedom to live life outside of societal expectations and restrictions.