So You Want to Change the World?

     

      "So You Want to Change the World?" by Michele Tracy Berger

 

      This article found in the Ms Magazine Issue of Fall 2012, discusses the impact of women's studies programs in colleges and universities around the world. The article begins with a listing of different professions of both men and women and reports the idea that all of these individuals had majored in women's studies at their respective college or university. Some such professions were a basketball player, a HIV/AIDS policy analyst, a civil rights lawayer and a coordinator of a breast cancer non-profit to name just a few. The article continues to discuss that beginning in 1970 with a plethora of social justice missions and overall want, a women's studies program was born in San Diego State, as the first ever. From this one program, the major has grown into being offered as both a major and minor in places all over the world, as well a graduate and doctoral programs in the area of study. It has made both men and women realize that the way they may have been looking at world may not be the most open and welcoming way to actually see. The major promotes critical thinking, creativity, and empowerment among women to not accept injustices in their lives. I definitely would not be the woman I am today without a women's studies program, and for that I am truly grateful.

"Women's studies teaches them that they can change the world-and they often do."