HeForShe - Gendered Language

I recently listened to Emma Watson's speech for the newly launched campaign by UN Women called HeForShe. She was eloquent and brought up many points that were important and powerful. This new campaign is about involving everyone, regardless of gender, in ending gender inequality. In particular, it calls out to men and boys to step up and advocate for change. Watson urges us to embrace feminism for what it is defined as - "the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities; political, economic and social equality of the sexes." She argues that we have steered off course and grown apprehensive of the term and associated too many negative connotations with it.

Watson continues on with examples of how both boys and girls, women and men are faced with inequalities associated with the gender norms that are socially constructed. She speaks on the notion that both men and women are imprisoned by gender stereotypes and that in order to evoke change, everyone must feel their voice welcomed in the conversation. What really stood out to me was the point near the end of the speech that encourages us to think about "gender on a spectrum as opposed to two sets of opposing ideals." This jumped out to me because it seems to be contradicted in the naming of the campaign itself.

I agree with the points that Watson makes and definitely think that they are important and valuable. They urge individuals to begin thinking about feminism and gender equality in a more positive light, and to acknowledge the negative affects of gender roles and stereotypes on all individuals. The campaign is great in that it bases itself in the idea that gender equality is a part of basic human rights and needs to be taken seriously and given more attention, especially in many modern societies that claim to exhibit this trait (but in reality, is far from achieving true equality).

The only issue that I have with the campaign is the naming of it. Language is a powerful tool and by naming this campaign HeForShe, it forces people back into a binary. It suggests that gender is dichotomous and that individuals identify as either a man or a woman. Going back to the ideal of gender as a spectrum, I think that that use of clearly gendered pronouns in this campaign isolates those who do not fit neatly into one of the two categories. Instead of inviting everyone into the conversation, which is the intention voiced, it places emphasis on the seemingly clear and definitive line that is drawn between the genders. In a way, this discredits the grey area that surrounds issues of sex, gender, and sexuality. Despite its good intentions, I think that the campaign needs to be rethought with gender as a spectrum at the forefront of the movement in order to invite and accept all voices. Although I critique the language chosen to spearhead this campaign, I would still encourage everyone to learn more about it and support the cause! Learn more by visiting the HeForShe website here.