In Defense of Mr. Heidkamp

The class discussion about gender in Mr. Heidkamp's first period was easily the most enlivened of any we have had this year. A vast diversity of opinions came to light; an entire spectrum of feminists gained a voice. The fact that we all essentially agreed about the rigid nature of gender roles and the oppression of women in society seemed to be a side note, although perhaps actual debate on these assertions would illuminate more discord. Our discussion centered around the definition of "feminism," and the perversion of that term in popular culture. 

A group within our class seemed to be making the argument that feminism is outdated. Members of the class noted that modern feminists confine women's ability to self-express rather than augment it. Mr. Heidkamp, on the other hand, asserted that no modern feminists are trying to confine women, and that these radical impressions are purely mythical. I would go further and argue that these myths were likely created as a means of silencing the feminist movement and preserving the status quo of gender inequality. 

Beyond contending that modern feminism is confining, members of the class also protested Mr. Heidkamp's employment of the traditional gender spectrum model, citing that in our community these expectations are irrelevant. 

The notion that students at OPRF are free to wear whatever they want to school is absurd. Perhaps part of the reason the "gender spectrum" exercise failed is that some students do feel able to fully self-express. Contrary to these opinions, Mr. Heidkamp's point that a strict dress code for men and women exists at OPRF is applicable and relevant. Imagine a boy shaving his legs and wearing a dress to school, without the guise of a 'dress-up day' to hide behind or a social clique behind him. That student would undoubtably be ostracized and ridiculed. There is a quiet conservatism at OPRF, although I do not doubt it is a liberal atmosphere relative to the rest of our country. 

I do not mean to diminish the experiences of those who disagree with me, but I would like to hear a more genuine diversity of opinions in our future class discussions.