Problematizing Feminsim: An Article Critique Essay

A thorough examination of Shefali Desais article understandably shows the major issues that argon confronted by the feminist movement. Desai carefully examined the underlying ideological tenets, as well as the corresponding political, social and ethnic differences that come out to create a wide gap among some(prenominal) feminist activists. This is some particularly true in cases that specifically focus on the comprehension of womens rights and at the same time, taking into full consideration the single cultural and social arenas in which oppression and repression take place.Clearly, under this context, Desai attempts to design a concrete and feasible solution on how to resolve the tensions and disparities, which are often experienced and reflected in feminisms multicultural approach. To nonwithstanding illustrate the authors contentions and arguments, Desai offered a substantial distinction nigh the glaring differences between the methods and approaches that are deploye d by universalists and cultural relativists (5). As universalism implies, Desai expounded that this occurrence approach upholds the belief that the idea of human beings rights offer be unsounded within a single vantage point (5).Consequently, cultural relativism espouses that human rights should be contextualized from different angles that subsequently acknowledge a range of impertinent factors (Desai 5). The political, social and more importantly, cultural factors, thus affect the individuals scope of reality. In this aspect, arguing for a universal approach is no less than a subtle assertion of power legitimacy and to a certain extent, subordination. Desai, then linked these scenarios to the recognition of womens rights in non-Western setting, such(prenominal) as the Taliban society (7).Via exerting a conscious effort to trace the historic narrative of the Taliban government, Desai narrated how a series of wars and intercultural differences have affected the women of Afghanis tan (7). But with Talibans rise and its strict imposition of Islamic Law, is perceived by many as far more repressive, patriarchal and detrimental to Afghan women (Desai 7). This is patronage of the fact that several members of the community have seen the Taliban approach as yet another office of safeguarding not only their women, alone also their cultural practices (Desai 11).This particular situation has led Desai to question the seemingly monolithic and (apathetic) contentions of both(prenominal) universalists and cultural relativists women advocates. Critically speaking, far more than acknowledging human rights, it can be argued that Desai was also concerned on a pragmatic application of multicultural feminism (Worell 432). The Taliban case, far more than anything else raises the question of whose feminism is involved, most especially in scenarios that revolved around women oppression and identity construction. For those who do not have a direct experience of oppression, uni versalism and feminism can be easily combined.However, it cannot be denied that individual differences and cultural and individualistic considerations may secernate feminist movements from across the globe. Thus, via providing clear definitions and comprehensive distinctions of how womanhood is experienced and understood in various social settings, Desais work remarkably eliminates the speculation of Western feminist hegemony. Consequently, by being open to the respective cultural constraints of women in highly marginalized regions, the article remains free from the biases of relativism and still offers a highly pragmatic approach.The example that Desai used added to the authors credibleness since it successfully illustrated the concrete shortcomings of two divergent perspectives that exceed the theoretical or hypothetical assumptions. Evidently, the remaining parts of Desais discussion presented different way of )dealing with feminism and human rights recognition. Desai called for a much more holistic and embodied approach via formulating intelligent protocols that duly recognize human rights with great sensitivity. Yes, Desais work calls for sensitivity, in the sense that feminists must also pay worry to the individualistic needs of many women.In this manner, highly customized and appropriate solutions can be enacted. Oftentimes, women-related problems become worse, not only because of the lack of direct action, but also due to the excessive politics that exist among feminists and even legal experts. As Desai stressed, feminism cannot possible produce good results if the idea of numerousness is taken for granted (17). Here, it can be seen that Desai actually looks for parallelism quite than an abrupt intersection of opposing views and ideologies.The strengths of universalism and cultural relativism are combined to sweep over its respective weaknesses. In this aspect, biases and politicking shall be lessened and feminism now transforms into an busin esslike and pragmatic solution. Works Cited Desai, Shefali. Hearing Afghans Womens Voices womens rightist Theorys Re- Conceptualization of Womens Human Rights. Arizona journal of International and Comparative Law. 16. 805 (1999) 1-17 Worell, Judith. Encyclopedia of Women and Gender Sex Similarities and the Impact of ball club on Gender. California Academic Press