you examined virtue ethics and what it means to live a flourishing life.  One thing we learned was that in an Aristotelian account, what the virtues are and the way they enable us to flourish is a function of the kind of activity characteristic of the being in question.  With that in mind, identify 3 virtues that are elicited by a feminist ethics such as the ones we find in the readings for this week.  Should we regard those as specific to women, or are they virtues that men should cultivate as well?  Contrast these with 3 virtues that might be more closely associated with the kind of masculine view of ethics that some of the authors claim has dominated our thinking.  How might our view of the virtuous life and virtuous behavior change by focusing our attention on feminist ethics?   Make reference to the arguments of at least one of the relevant readings from week 5 in your discussion, but you are encouraged to compare and contrast multiple readings as well.

 

1.     Cady Stanton, E. (2007). Subjection of women. In E. C. Dubois & R. C. Smith (Eds.), Elizabeth Cady Stanton, feminist as thinker: A reader in documents and essays (pp. 206-212). New York, NY: New York University Press. Retrieved from the ebrary database.

o   In this essay, Stanton presents an analysis of the social structures and ideas that have kept women in subjection to men. She also presents her own ideas about how women ought to be treated and how they should advocate for equal rights.

2.     Friedman, M. (2003). Autonomy, gender, politics. Cary, NC: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from the ebrary database.

o   Read pages 140-146 of the essay titled “Domestic Violence Against Women and Autonomy.” In this essay, Friedman analyzes the relationship between women’s freedom and the inability of some women to escape the destructive cycle of domestic violence. Rather than portray women as weak or ignorant, Friedman outlines specific social and familial limitations that prevent women from leaving these relationships.

3.     Gilligan, C. (1982). In a different voice: Psychological theory and women’s development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Retrieved from the ebrary database.

o   Read pages 24-38, 62, and 63. Gilligan presents her analysis of the differences between ethical responses in young boys and young girls and she reinterprets female responses through the lens of what has become known as “care ethics.”

4.     Noddings, N. (2010). Maternal factor: Two paths to morality. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. Retrieved from the ebrary database.

o   Read pages 205-213 of the chapter titled “War and Violence.” In this essay, Noddings analyzes the relationship between masculinity, violence, and war and opposes a certain conception of masculine violence to maternal thinking in relation to these topics.

Multimedia

1.     Connor Gaballa. (2012, Dec. 10). Racial stereotypes within Disney movies [Video file]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V85T_nRzEnk

o   This video presents various racial stereotypes that have been portrayed in Disney films. Think about how children might be influenced by these films in ways that influence the ways that they perceive people of various ethnicities. Transcript

2.     dsnook. (2009, Feb. 23). Gender stereotypes in media [Video file]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nIXUjzyMe0

o   This video is a collection of clips from various media that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations? Transcript

3.     HAWCA. (2011, Oct. 3). Dark flowers: The story of self-immolation in Afghanistan [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x8_-GMvWwU

o   This video is a short documentary about women who light themselves on fire (or are lit on fire by others) in order to escape their marriages or other abusive relationships. This relates to the practical ethical issues of equality and women’s rights that are important parts of this week’s activities.

4.     jeeprollover. (2011, Oct. 26). Reinforcing gender stereotypes through advertising [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZIpifzykIg

o   This video is a collection of clips from various media that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations? Transcript

5.     jonesyy217. (2011, Dec. 12). Female stereotypes in Disney films [Video file]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-57zKcmrT6M

o   This video is a collection of clips from various Disney films that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations of women? How might these films influence young boys and girls and their thinking about the roles of men and women in society?

6.     Mayfield Sociology. (2012, April 14). Top 9 racist Disney characters [Video file]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFo5dXkCvas

o   This video presents various racial stereotypes that have been portrayed in Disney films. Think about how children might be influenced by these films in ways that influence the ways that they perceive people of various ethnicities.

7.     TED. (2013, Jan. 18). Colin Stokes: How movies teach manhood [Video file]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueOqYebVhtc&feature=youtu.be

o   In this TED talk, Colin Stokes examines how media and films represent manhood and the outcomes that result from these representations. Transcript

8.     TEDxYouth. (2013, Jan. 20). The sexy lie: Caroline Heldman at TEDxYouth@SanDiego [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMS4VJKekW8

o   In this TED talk, Caroline Heldman analyzes how women are portrayed and judged in society according to their looks and she examines how this form of social judgment influences young girls and women.

9.     The Representation Project. (2012, Dec. 21). Sexism in news media in 2012 [Video file]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py5X_biBOYk

o   This compilation of clips displays inherent sexism in the news media as women are often judged by their age and looks rather than their intelligence and political acumen.

10.   VICE. (2012, Aug. 21). Prostitutes of god (documentary) [Video file]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GFaN9-1iz0

o   This documentary examines a group of prostitutes in India who have been born into prostitution and dedicated to a fertility goddess. As you watch this film, think about how social ideals and structures often lock women into certain predefined categories.