“Changing times”
Presenter: Good morning world! Thank you for tuning in to your daily dose of current news, events, and topics. With me today, I have a special guest, a women rights activist and self-declared feminist, here to shed light on the controversial topic that is feminism. She goes by the name Amanda. Welcome Amanda.
Amanda: Thank you. Glad to be here.
Presenter: Well, let’s jump right into it, shall we? What exactly is feminism and what does this movement entail?
Amanda: I could describe it better in terms of the people that participate in it. A feminist is a person, male or female, that advocates for the equal rights of all minorities in the society, which women are a part.
Presenter: Well the general opinion out there has been that feminism is solely for the purpose of protecting the interests of women, and not a larger minority group, as you say. Care to explain?
Amanda: Gladly. Feminism, at its core, seeks to abolish the system of patriarchy that is currently the norm of society. Patriarchy serves no purpose but to lock out certain groups of people from opportunities and empowering others, which results in a large rift in society amongst different groups. It is not just the appointment of men in positions of power that we are targeting, which many tend to assume. We are targeting the whole system, including the rules and standards that came with this mind set, which in the end, oppress not only women, but the less privileged men too. Therefore it would be wrong to say that the movement benefits only women.
Presenter: That’s as elaborate as it comes. So what is the difference in the state of feminism right now from where it was years ago when it started?
Amanda: The movement has certainly made some significant progress over the years. In the beginning, the feminist movement was largely female-dominated, owing to the misconceptions you just cited. In recent times, however, the males have started to gradually join women in the fight, as they have realized the greater scope that the movement encompasses. This is significant progress as the active participation of men in the movement against the system of patriarchy guarantees more success.
Presenter: Wonderful. So why should people that have never participated in the movement reconsider their stance now? What can you tell them?
Amanda: As I have just said, the system of patriarchy is one that affects all parties, regardless of how privileged one may think he/she is. Patriarchy affected those that came before us and will affect the generation coming after us. It is a system bent on keeping those at the top at that position of convenience and works to further oppress those that are already disadvantaged. Therefore, it is a system that ought to be put to a halt to allow equal opportunities for everyone regardless of our differences.
Presenter: Finally, for those reluctant to do so based on previous evidence of success, what examples would you cite to convince them to do so?
Amanda: The evidence of the success of feminism is widespread. Take for instance, the number of female presidents and CEOs we have right now. On the other hand, look at the number of young people, male and female alike, that are ascending to the top positions of leadership previously reserved for the older and “more experienced” in society. Look at the number of jobs previously associated with one gender being taken up by the other. Men are taking up jobs in hospitality and women taking up more science courses. Finally, look at the inclusivity present in all institutions as a result of various other movements. All these are as a result of the feminist movement, either directly or through movements that arose from it. Discrimination has reduced significantly, and that should be reason enough to join the movement or enable it.
Presenter: And that’s a wrap! Thank you Amanda for your wonderful insight on the controversial topic that is feminism. I must confess to have been among the few that were misled on its underlying vision by the media. I see it all clearer now. Thank you for listening in. This has been changing times, your number one radio talk show!
Reflection
The main audience for this talk show was the youth, and the purpose of it was to sensitize them on what feminism as a movement entails and what it has achieved over the years. I did this by guiding the respondent, who was the guest, Amanda, with lead questions that prompted her response on commonly misunderstood aspects of feminism. These include the questions on what feminism entails and why people should join in the fight. I made sure to accompany the questions with the respective misconceptions associated with the topic they addressed, for instance, when inquiring on who is legible to be a feminist, I specified the common view that the movement was driven my an agenda of male-hate, hence was restricted to women. Since the segment was aimed towards the youth who usually have little understanding of the movement and are easily swayed by the media, I made language more suited for them, evidenced by the enthusiasm and wit of the presenter. Amanda also came across as a calm character, with a suitable answer to all the queries directed at her, and this works to build the trust of the audience on the information she is communicating.