Feminism, the vote.

[Kathe Managan]

I strongly agree with Megan and others that a mention of feminism should be included in some way in the philosophical statement that is drafted for GALA. While I can understand the reluctance some people are expressing, we wouldn't be having this discussion if were not for the efforts of feminist scholars and activists. Language and gender/sexuality as a field of inquiry would not exist. Many of the positions that women hold in academia would not exist. However we choose to define feminism and whatever else we decide to include in the philosophical statement, I think that is something that should be acknowledged. 

We need not be constrained to some definition of feminism that has been put forth by others in the past. I see no reason why we can't develop on what has been done and go forward, redefining feminism as we go or getting beyond it altogether. The same goes for whatever is included in the  statement. I would think it could - and should - be worded in such a way that gives some idea of what we're about but would leave room for lots of different kinds of contributions. 

Having said that, I think we should be bear in mind that we are discussing the philosophical mission statement of the organization. While we should try to make the statement reflective of the interests of those involved and welcoming to others with similar interests who may decide to join in the future, once the organization is established, people will decide whether or not become involved based on what we do, not on the wording of the statement. I know I'm not familiar with the finer points of the mission statement of any professional organization I'm a member of. And based on what I know of the work of the facilitators and other people on this list, I doubt we have to worry that much about this being an organization which only focuses on work based on a narrow definition of feminist scholarship. Any statement we come up with will probably exclude someone and adding mention of feminism in some way will probably attract as many people as it drives away, but ultimately it will be the journal or conference or whatever else results from this effort that will matter to most people. 

Kathe


Kathe Managan
Anthropology  Department
New York University
jkm5967 at is.nyu.edu