feminist of the week: monique stern
Name: Monique Stern
Age: 18
Occupation: Deaf and Blind Social Group Assistant
How would you describe yourself and your life?
I’m generally an optimistic person. I love to smile and be a little naïve by thinking I can always be happy. My big negative is I am a very critical person and tend to expect a lot from people at times. I guess I’d say I have a fairly ordinary life…..I grew up in a small town in Queensland so naturally love the multicultural city that is Melbourne. I want to have a meaningful career that can possibly add a bit of spark to someone’s day. That’s probably why I’ve been so drawn into studying language. I never know what I’ll learn or what’ll come out of a conversation, I may say or do something that makes someone’s day just a little brighter at least.
What does Feminism mean to you?
To me, Feminism means having strong views on the way women are regarded and promoting equality between the way men and women are perceived.
Do you think feminism has a place in today’s society?
Tricky question…I believe it does, but it wouldn’t be as loud or dramatic as it used to be when women were fighting for more rights. Since women can be considered equal to men in most cultures I believe that Feminism will slowly start to diminish as people realise men and women aren’t very different and they can make the same achievements. There are still workplaces and cultures though that suppress or limit women to doing things. However I think as time goes on and feminism continues there is a high possibility for change.
Which feminist stereotype annoys you the most? Why?
I suppose the one that portrays women hating men and believing that no man will consider them equal to their gender. Clearly that is taking a bit too far and would be like living in the past when women had fewer rights and treated without respect by men. I personally rarely see that at all in today’s society.
If you could pass on one piece of advice to other feminists, what would it be?
Don’t act too strongly against men. They definitely have adapted and progressed immensely over the past 20 years or so (according to their history), so cut them a bit of slack. There is more acceptances of women and their lifestyles today, then there has ever been, yes there is still some progress to be made in certain cultures but give it time. We are equal and have equal rights to men, there are just a few of that gender who may need to realise it. Overall, hoorah for us ladies and our efforts thus far!
How do you respond to people who react negatively to your beliefs?
At first, naturally I try to alter their conclusion. Really there’s nothing I, or anyone, could do except take it on the chin and move on. I’d rather just discuss my point of views and beliefs calmly in a conversation and hear what people have to say. Sometimes I’m even impressed or persuaded by their beliefs, as I may never have thought of it from their angle before. Which is great!! That’s what discussing beliefs should be about; keeping an open mind to all views and promoting your angle.
