Activity 4.

Reading Text on Mass Communication

Instructions: Read the following transcript of Emma Watson’s speech on

gender equality, which was delivered last September 20, 2014. With a
partner,
discuss and share to the class your thoughts and opinions on the following
questions:

1. What was the issue discussed in the speech, and what makes it so
relevant to discuss about it?

The topic of Emma Watson's lecture is gender inequity, which exists in

every country. It is vital to address this problem because it traps men and
women, as well as their families, in long-term human rights violations and
poverty cycles.

Equality is and will always be the basic foundation of humanity. Gender

equality saves people's lives, results in better healthcare, helps businesses
and the country's economy, leads to better legal protections and racial
equality, reduces poverty and human trafficking, and above all, leads to
peace.

Gender inequality is an issue that is relevant in today's world and needs

great attention. It is heartwarming that someone like Emma fights for all the
people's rights, both men and women.

2. Why do you think people are reluctant to use the word “feminism”?

Reluctance within the usage of the word “feminism,” as Emma Watson

herself expressed, has ended up synonymous with certain depictions such as
“man-hating,” “aggressive,” and “unattractive.” Developments frequently get
related to how its participants act, and tragically, a few feminists are very
aggressive towards men.

These feminists are in the minority, yet they are often the most vocal and
receive the most attention. The negative publicity that has resulted portrays
genuine feminism in a negative light, portraying it as an aggressive movement
that despises men, which is not the truth.

3. Why did Emma Watson feel the need to address this issue?

After Emma Watson was appointed as the UN Women Ambassador, she

has spoken a lot about feminism, and she then realized that the more she
fights for women's rights, becomes more synonymous with the word man-
hating. Gender equality is a man's issue too.

"It's time that we all see gender as a spectrum, not as two conflicting sets
of ideas," she remarked. Men and women should be able to express their
emotions while being strong. She feels compelled to solve the problem
because she believes that if it isn't her, then who is it? When, if not now, will it
be?

4. How is the concept of “feminism” relevant in the article? Cite the

relevant paragraph to support your answer.

-According to Emma, the true definition of feminism is the conviction that

men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is typically
relevant to the article because it attempts to promote the equal treatment of
both men and women. A society where a “he” will be there for a “she.” It
points to bind together the two genders in resolving a particular issue that
plagues both.

As she says, “Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both
men and women should feel free to be strong… It is time that we all perceive
gender on a spectrum, not as two opposing sets of ideals. If we stop defining
each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by what we are—
we can all be freer, and this is what HeForShe is about. It’s about freedom.”