Tự học từ vựng IELTS Speaking qua bài phát biểu của Emma Watson | ELSA Speak

Summary

In this powerful speech, the speaker highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality and challenges the stereotypes that limit both men and women. She emphasizes that feminism is about freedom and human rights, not just for women but for men too, as they too suffer from rigid gender expectations. Inviting men to join the fight, she advocates for a world where both men and women are free to be themselves without the constraints of traditional gender roles. She calls on everyone to take action, making the case that if we do nothing, it could take decades to achieve equality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'feminist' has become uncomfortable for many women, with some feeling it is too strong, aggressive, or anti-men.
• 😀 Gender equality is a human right, and no country in the world has fully achieved it yet.
• 😀 The speaker is fortunate to have had gender-neutral support from her family, school, and mentors, which helped shape her belief in gender equality.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of the idea and ambition behind feminism, not just the word itself.
• 😀 Less than 30% of the audience at Hillary Clinton’s 1997 Beijing speech were men, highlighting the lack of male participation in conversations about women’s rights.
• 😀 Gender equality is not just a women's issue but a men's issue too, as men also suffer from gender stereotypes and inequality.
• 😀 Men face social pressures that can lead to mental health issues, and they often can't ask for help because it would undermine their masculinity.
• 😀 Men are also constrained by gender stereotypes, and true gender equality would benefit both men and women by allowing them to express themselves more freely.
• 😀 The idea of gender should be viewed as a spectrum, not as two opposing ideals of masculinity and femininity.
• 😀 The speaker urges men to take on the mantle of gender equality, not only to help women but to allow men the freedom to be vulnerable and human.
• 😀 The speaker calls for collective action, urging people to ask themselves, 'If not me, who? If not now, when?' to drive change and achieve gender equality.

Q & A

Why do many women choose not to identify as feminists today?

The speaker suggests that the word 'feminist' has become uncomfortable for many women, with some viewing it as too strong, aggressive, or anti-men. Additionally, it is seen as unattractive or isolating.

What are the key gender equality rights the speaker supports?

The speaker supports equal pay for women, the right for women to make decisions about their own bodies, the involvement of women in policies affecting their lives, and social respect equal to men.

Why does the speaker consider gender equality to be a human rights issue?

The speaker considers gender equality a human rights issue because, despite the progress made, no country has achieved full gender equality, and the rights to equal pay, bodily autonomy, and respect are fundamental human rights.

How does the speaker describe her own upbringing in terms of gender equality?

The speaker describes her upbringing as a privilege, where she was not limited by her gender. Her parents, school, and mentors did not hold her back because she was a girl, and they helped shape her into who she is today.

What does the speaker mean by 'inadvertent feminists'?

The speaker refers to those who, unknowingly or unintentionally, champion gender equality and contribute to its progress. She credits her mentors and influential figures who helped her succeed as inadvertent feminists.

Why does the speaker argue that men should also support gender equality?

The speaker emphasizes that gender equality is not just a women's issue. Men, too, are affected by gender stereotypes, such as being restricted by expectations of male success, which can negatively impact their mental health and freedom to express vulnerability.

What does the speaker point out about men and mental health?

The speaker highlights that men often struggle with mental illness but are reluctant to seek help due to societal pressure to conform to traditional notions of masculinity. In the UK, suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 20-49.

How does the speaker connect the liberation of men and women?

The speaker suggests that when men are freed from rigid gender norms, such as the need to be aggressive to be accepted, women will also benefit, as they won’t feel compelled to be submissive. This mutual liberation will lead to a more equitable society.

What does the speaker suggest about defining gender on a spectrum?

The speaker advocates for perceiving gender as a spectrum rather than two opposing ideals. This approach allows both men and women to express sensitivity and strength without being confined to narrow gender roles.

What is the significance of the phrase 'If not me, who? If not now, when?'

The speaker uses this phrase to encourage action, particularly in moments of doubt. It serves as a reminder that if individuals don't take action to support equality now, progress will be delayed for generations.

What is the potential future impact if no action is taken toward gender equality?

The speaker warns that if no action is taken, it could take another 75 years for women to receive equal pay for equal work, and millions of girls may be married off as children, while rural African girls might not have access to secondary education until 2086.

What is 'HeForShe' and why is it important?

HeForShe is a global movement aiming to involve men in the fight for gender equality. The speaker invites men to join the movement, as their participation is crucial for achieving true gender equality for both women and men.