Closing Reflection

Prior to taking this class, I had some general ideas of feminist conflict but I would not say I had extensive knowledge. After finish this course I feel like I have a much deeper understanding of the conflicts that exist within feminism. Feminist conflict to me represents the history and fluidity of the feminist movement over time. No social movement that has lasted as long as the feminist movement would not have a single conflict. I have also realized that conflict is necessary within feminism, otherwise no one would question the movement. If we cannot question ourselves and have discussions on conflicting views, how would the movement ever grow? I used to be under the impression that conflict was a negative in a social movement and becomes a hindrance to the goals of the movement. I am glad I was able to understand that is not the case but rather completely necessary.  I can relate this to social media, which discussed many times during class, when people would argue online about feminist issues and our conversation about “cancel culture.” I used to find this stressful and problematic but now I feel more optimistic in the ability for people to make each other think even when they are “on the same side.” I think this is incredibly important when discussing white feminism and “the third world” and other current feminist conflicts that are regularly discussed online. We should encourage productive and healthy discussion surrounding these conflicts in order to build and more robust and unified feminism.