Introduction

Hello everyone, my name is Holly Paolicelli. I am a junior Social Work major with a minor in women and gender studies. I am a representative and member of the Women Student Union on campus and always looking to meet and talk with new people with similar values or even opposing ones. :) Feminism is a huge part of my life, it is not my only interest but it greatly shapes my perspective. Educating myself on gender along with the course requirement is the reason I am enrolled in this class. I have also taken a class with Dr. McGee before and loved it. She is passionate about her work and shows it everyday.

In the reading I was drawn to a section on page 9 "... By writing about 'those unrecorded gestures, those unsaid half-said words' that form when women are alone, no longer (mis)interpreted by the male gaze'' I have read a good amount of literature written by women and I would agree that at times it can be wonderfully uncensored and edgy. From reading great american books that only touch upon provocative material to hearing all the gritty details a woman was once not supposed to talk about, it is empowering. For years women have walked in the shadow of men, but all along there were wonderful female authors stepping out into the light, mustering up the courage and saying, this is what is really happening.

I really look forward to the discussions this semester with all of you. Also come to WSU meetings, the conversations always continue there!