El feminismo hegemónico es machista | Marina de la Torre | TEDxChamberi

Feminism: A Distinct Perspective

Introduction to the White Knight and Feminism

• The character of the White Knight from "Alice Through the Looking Glass" is introduced as a satirical representation of the Victorian knight, contrasting with Alice's well-known story.

• Walt Disney considered including this character in an animated adaptation but ultimately decided against it, believing Alice should find her way out of the forest independently.

Different Currents within Feminism

• The speaker introduces a different perspective on feminism, emphasizing that while equality is often cited as a core principle, there are various currents within feminism that interpret equality differently.

• Two main branches are identified:

• Feminism of Freedom: Advocates for equal rights and obligations for men and women.

• Gender Feminism: Argues that mere legal equality is insufficient due to patriarchal oppression affecting women's choices.

Critique of Hegemonic Feminism

• Gender feminism posits that societal structures condition women’s decisions, leading to their oppression under a pervasive male-dominant system.

• This form of feminism has become dominant in feminist studies and movements, often portraying women as incapable of making independent choices.

Simone de Beauvoir's Influence

• Simone de Beauvoir is highlighted as a key figure in hegemonic feminism; despite her insightful theories, she exhibited totalitarian tendencies regarding women's roles.

• De Beauvoir argued against allowing women the choice to stay home with children, suggesting such options perpetuate oppression rather than liberate them.

Authority Dynamics in Feminism

• The speaker critiques how hegemonic feminists impose their authority over women's choices instead of empowering them to make personal decisions.

• An example discussed involves sex workers advocating for labor rights; hegemonic feminists view these women as victims rather than individuals exercising agency.

Historical Context and Modern Implications

• Clara Campoamor's fight for women's voting rights illustrates the belief that true freedom comes from self-determination rather than imposed standards by others.

• Campoamor emphasized that learning freedom occurs through practice and decision-making.

Special Treatment vs. Equality

• Hegemonic feminists advocate for positive discrimination or special treatment based on perceived inferiority; however, this viewpoint is seen as patronizing by advocates of freedom feminism.

The Role of Women in Society and Gender Equality

Women's Independence and Achievements

• Women do not need special quotas or assistance; they should achieve their career goals through their own efforts. Marie Curie, a pioneering scientist in radioactivity, exemplifies this by winning two Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry.

Perseverance and Self-Confidence

• Curie emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-confidence, stating that life is challenging for everyone but one must strive to reach their goals regardless of obstacles.

Gender Disparities in Career Choices

• There are more women graduating from universities today, yet societal pressures often guide women towards careers dominated by men without similar expectations placed on men regarding female-dominated fields.

Employment Opportunities and Risk Aversion

• Women are encouraged to pursue predominantly male occupations like entrepreneurship but not other male-dominated jobs such as mining. Men generally have a lower aversion to risk, which influences their presence in both high-level and low-level positions.

Special Laws and Gender Violence

• The discussion around special laws for gender violence is contentious. It is argued that while machismo can be a factor in domestic violence, it is not the sole reason for such acts.

Misconceptions About Victims of Domestic Violence

• The notion that only men can be aggressors overlooks the reality that women can also inflict harm. Male victims may face challenges when seeking help due to societal perceptions about masculinity.

Equal Protection for All Victims

• There should be no differentiation among victims based on gender or sexual orientation; all individuals deserve equal protection under the law regardless of these factors.

Critique of Hegemonic Feminism

• Hegemonic feminism has led to gender segregation where men are viewed as potential threats. This perspective creates an environment where women's autonomy is compromised under the guise of seeking safety.

Autonomy vs. Institutional Dependence

• Seeking total security through institutional means risks creating dependency on a totalitarian state rather than fostering true freedom for both genders.

Conclusion: A Call for Equality