Thursday, October 16, 2014
Lena Dunham
I had the unique opportunity to see Lena Dunham, an actress, a writer, a producer, a feminist, speak at the Chicago Humanities Festival. The festival called itself, "kind of like Lollapalooza for intellectuals." I thought that was a clever phrase, and surely one I can relate to as a teenager in Chicago. Before this event, I never truly knew what the Chicago Humanities Festival was. Now I know that its mission is to create opportunities for people of all ages to support, enjoy and explore the humanities- the humanities are my absolute favorite subject so I'm glad I had the chance to attend this event. It seems as though there is already a pattern in the public events that I have been to this year because both have been women speakers who are advocate for other women around the world. Lena read excerpts from her new book, "Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's Learned." In her book she speaks from her personal ups and downs with men, and just as a woman in society. Her advice is something I can learn from and her values are notable. Although she is straight, she refuses to get married to her longtime boyfriend who she loves until same-sex marriage is legalized in all 50 states of America- she thinks it is unfair that she is allowed to get married when others are not. Her choice regarding marriage shows the kind of person she is: someone who wants justice and is not afraid to act outside the norm in order to advocate for the change that she wants to see. Her outward feminism inspires me to stand up for myself in any future situations and to question the laws we come across on a daily basis. She said in an interview (regarding the imbalance between men and women), "Do you believe that women should be paid the same for doing the same jobs? Do you believe that women should be allowed to leave the house? Do you think that women and men both deserve equal rights? Great, then you’re a feminist."-- I agree with her completely.
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Very cool! From what you described, hearing Lena Dunham speak must have been interesting. What you said at the end about being a feminist really stuck with me. Some people are reluctant to identify as a feminist because that means you hate men, which is obviously not true. It's important to remember that if you believe in gender equality then you are a feminist.
ReplyDeleteThis sounded so fun to be at. Lena Dunham is clearly a very inspiring woman and it is amazing that you got the chance to see her speak. What a strong feminist she is. If you continue on with this focus in humanities, I hope you find more events as good as this sounds!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool you heard her speak! I was particularly drawn to your statement about her way of inspiring to "stand up for myself in any future situations and to question the laws we come across on a daily basis." Being a bystander is dangerous: apathy prevents progress. Dunham did her job if she inspired you to do as such. Like others commented, I also connected with her statement you quote at the end. It's rudimentary nature captures the essence of my thoughts with respect to gender inequity: it's so simple that it should never have been a question, let alone remain a question for millennia! Contrarily, its simplicity is a bit misleading. Regardless, what I like about it most is that both women AND men can answer yes to those questions, hopefully broadening the movement to include more men because that is what it will take to make progress.
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