Comments and discussion

When you work with Emma Watson’s “HeForShe Speech”, it may also be interesting to focus on your own attitude towards the ideas she expresses and the way she expresses them.

For example, Emma Watson pays particular attention to the negative way feminism and feminists are viewed by some parts of society: “…the more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating.” (ll. 9-12); “Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and, unattractive.” (ll. 32-34)

Do you think focusing on negative perceptions on feminism helps Watson in her speech about the necessity of gender equality? 

On the one hand, it was important for Watson to present such negative views so that she could reject them and show what gender equality and feminism are all about....