Local Liberation: Examining the waves of feminism from past and present in Arizona

There is the idea of a new wave of feminism arising that hopes to put feminism back into the public eye rather than in academics, similar to the second wave. However some modern feminists have an issue with the term feminism as it carries that radical connotation, and it is a word that seems to promote a gender binary as in “just for women” however, this new wave would be fueled by any and all genders. There is an even stronger notion for intersectionality in the fourth wave as well, which can be related to a sort of continuation or advancement of the second wave.  The fourth wave is feuled by social media/internet use and has a major focus on reforming the gender roles of society for all genders, not just women. The item below which discusses gender neutral resources on Arizona campuses, is actually an online article which emphasizes the new internet/digital platform that helped fuel this wave.

In Arizona, groups such as the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, work towards integrating all members into society with the proper respect, resources and equality they deserve. Through workshops and activities, the goal is to recognize all genders and all persons within each gender, and promote an equal playing field. A few examples of the SAGA efforts are listed below as well as an image showing members of the alliance as they march in the Tucson pride parade.

Seeing as this fourth wave is still in its early stages and it resembles that of the women's liberation movement from the 60's, opinions are very mixed. There is an idea that women have already acheived equal status so there is no need for feminism, and the existence of a fourth wave comes across and a threat to men. However this is not true, and this movement actually encourages anyone to be a part and help promote equality for everyone regardless of race, gender, class or sexuality.