“It wasn’t until college that I ever thought of identifying as a feminist because so much of the media uses feminism almost like a swear word,” English teacher Jason Hunt said.
M-A is home to many male teachers who are proud to be feminists. English teacher David Rosenberg said, “I think being a feminist is supporting equal rights for women, point blank. Why wouldn’t you want to advocate for women’s rights? I just see it as absurd not to advocate for equal rights for women—who are the reason you’re on this planet.”
However, these teachers didn’t always identify with feminism when they were younger. Similar trends exist today; in an M-A Chronicle survey, only about 30% of 76 junior boys identified as feminists.
Interviewed teachers explained that they once did not feel comfortable identifying as feminists because they had a skewed perception of feminism and identifying as a feminist conflicted with the societal expectations imposed on them.
Chemistry teacher Matthew Sandora said, “In high school, I wouldn’t have realized I could have defined myself as a feminist. In that era, my impression was that the idea of feminism was much more radical, which discouraged me from identifying myself in that way. Although I always would have said I supported women’s rights.”
Hunt said, “I grew up in a pretty conservative state, so even the women who were in power were critical of feminism, and some men were openly anti-woman and anti-feminist.”
He continued, “Years ago, I overheard someone say, ‘It’s just as hard to look like Ken as it is to look like Barbie.’ Maybe that’s another reason why men fear feminism—because subconsciously they fear they are not ‘real men,’ or what society has connoted as the ‘ideal’ man. Paradoxically, what gives men so much power can also be the source of so much pain—the impossible ideals of manhood. No one person can be always strong, always fearless, always in control. ”
Today, these teachers make a conscious effort to support and uplift the voices of women.
Hunt explained, “Before college, I pretty much only read work by white male authors in my English classrooms. Dismantling that habit and bringing in more female voices and voices of color is one of the most important things I can do as an English teacher.”
He added, “When I call on students, I ask myself who I’m calling on and notice who raises their hands. If it’s only my male or white students whose voices are being heard, I try to make sure that everyone gets an opportunity to speak, regardless of whether or not they’re raising their hand.”
Sandora said, “I try to support all my students as much as possible, especially the girls because historically they have not been as well represented in science classes.”
He continued, “I also coach girls volleyball and, especially where I coach in San Jose, there’s a kind of old-fashioned culture where girls are discouraged from playing sports. Some of my proudest moments are when the girls I coach tell me, ‘I can’t wait to have a daughter so she can play volleyball too.’ I always hope to influence the next generation.”
Teachers reflected on how feminism has positively influenced their lives. Sandora said, “As a teacher, being a feminist makes me better able to relate to my students. It’s also allowed me to have better relationships with people because they know that I have compassion.”
Hunt said, “It’s made me less judgmental, and it’s made it easier for me to recognize that my experience isn’t the only one.”
All three teachers credited the powerful women in their lives for inspiring their beliefs and shaping them into the feminists they are today.
Rosenberg said, “Growing up, my two amazing older sisters were a very powerful presence in my life.”
Sandora said, “My sister definitely inspires me. She owns her own company.”
Hunt pointed to one of his female professors who inspired him to teach English. He said, “Dr. Maimuna Islam was one of my first female teachers and teachers of color, and she really exposed me to a world outside of the little community that I had grown up in.”
Hunt advised that part of being a better feminist is being a better listener. He said, “The first thing you have to do is ask yourself, ‘How has society benefited me?’ and, ‘If I’m benefiting, who is being harmed?’ Just pause, reflect, and then think.”
Rosenberg’s advice was to be more conscious of the fact that everyone lives a different experience. He said, “There are different expectations for people based on different societal factors and different historical baggage. If you don’t take that into account, you’re probably not leading that enriched of a life.”
He added, “For all the young gentlemen reading this, I know that when I was 16 it would have been kind of hard for me to be able to read between the lines on this, but, if you’re not advocating for women’s rights, what are you standing up for?”
