Several classes at Harvard University were canceled on Wednesday so students could process the aftermath of President-elect Trump's win.
In some classes, attendance was optional and deadlines for assignments were extended. Economics lecturer Maxim Boycko wrote in a Wednesday email to students in Economics 1010a: “Intermediate Microeconomics” that the course’s typical in-class quizzes would be optional, The Harvard Crimson reported.
“As we recover from the eventful election night and process the implications of Trump’s victory, please know that class will proceed as usual today, except that classroom quizzes will not be for credit,” Boycko wrote. “Feel free to take time off if needed.”
One student, Jack A. Kelly, told the newspaper that he was tempted not to attend classes.
“I had some professors that have been like, ‘If you need to not come to class, that’s understandable',” he said. “This definitely takes a toll on people’s mental wellbeing.”
Some students were shocked by Trump's landslide win over Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Being at Harvard, I was surrounded by a lot of people who were very pro-Harris, so in my mind, it was already a decided election,” said Samantha Holtz. “It was a little bit shocking to me.”
The recent election results have left me profoundly shaken as an American woman. Watching the exit polls show a majority of male voters supporting a candidate with multiple legal issues and a history of inflammatory rhetoric against minorities has forced me to reevaluate my personal choices – particularly regarding dating and relationships.
As a Black woman who has weathered several contentious election cycles, I've reached a breaking point that's leading me to embrace aspects of what's known as the 4B movement. This social phenomenon, which originated in South Korea, has caught my attention as a potential response to our current political reality.
## Understanding the 4B Movement
The 4B movement emerged in South Korea as a response to concerns about gender-based violence and societal inequities. The "4B" refers to four principles, each beginning with "bi" (meaning "no" in Korean):
- No dating men
- No intimate relations with men
- No marriage
- No child-rearing
What began as a protest against patriarchal structures has evolved into a movement with measurable societal impact. In South Korea, the effects are already visible – some elementary schools have reported zero first-grade enrollments, highlighting the movement's potential to influence demographic trends.
## My Personal Choice
Having recently completed a period of intentional singlehood, I had been looking forward to dating again. However, the election results have prompted me to pause these plans. The voting patterns have raised serious concerns about potential partnerships – even with those who might align with my political views. The election has illuminated deeper societal issues regarding gender equality and racial justice that I can't ignore.
As a Black woman who has chosen to remain child-free, my concerns extend beyond politics to personal safety. With reproductive rights increasingly restricted and maternal health outcomes particularly concerning for Black women, I feel compelled to minimize risks wherever possible. The current legislative landscape makes this decision feel not just political, but essential for my wellbeing.
## A Growing Movement
I'm not alone in these feelings. Social media reveals many others contemplating similar choices, including LGBTQ+ individuals who express concerns about potential partners who may not openly support their rights. This intersection of personal choice and political statement is creating new forms of protest and self-protection across various communities.
## Looking Forward
I haven't set specific parameters for how long I'll maintain this choice, nor have I determined how I'll handle future romantic possibilities. What I do know is that for now, choosing to remain single feels like the safest option for my physical and emotional well-being.
@rabbitsandtea Cat lady era activated #4b #4bmovement ♬ USAAAAAAAAAAAAAA - Lawn
@rabbitsandtea Cat lady era activated #4b #4bmovement ♬ USAAAAAAAAAAAAAA - Lawn
@advicefromlouisreloaded What is the 4b movement American women are doing? #4b #fypシ #fyp #4bmovement #women #america #american #advicefromlouis #harris #kamala #kamalaharris ♬ original sound - AdviceFromLouisReloaded
This isn't just about avoiding relationships – it's about claiming agency over my life in a political climate that often seems intent on limiting it. While the choice may seem drastic to some, it reflects a deeply personal response to our current social and political reality. Rather than compromise my values or safety, I'm choosing to focus on my own wellbeing and growth, independent of romantic partnerships.
The decision to embrace aspects of the 4B movement isn't made lightly, but it feels necessary in a world where voting patterns suggest a concerning disconnect between many men's political choices and women's fundamental rights. Until I see meaningful change in how society values and protects women's rights – particularly those of women of color – I'm choosing to prioritize my safety and autonomy over traditional relationship expectations.
Key Points:
- 4B Movement: A South Korean feminist movement that encourages women to boycott men through four prohibitions: no heterosexual marriage, dating, sex, or childbearing.
- Origins: Stems from the Escape the Corset movement and was influenced by societal issues like the MERS epidemic, misogynistic hate speech, and harsh beauty standards.
- Goals: To challenge societal expectations of women, reclaim autonomy, and protest against systemic sexism.
- Potential Impact in the US: Some young American women are drawn to 4B as a radical response to the perceived misogyny and lack of respect for women's rights in the current political climate.
- Challenges and Considerations: The movement's strict principles may not align with mainstream American feminism, and its effectiveness in achieving societal change remains to be seen.
Potential Discussion Points:
- Effectiveness of Radical Feminism: Is a radical approach like 4B more effective in challenging systemic issues than more mainstream feminist strategies?
- Cultural Differences: How can the principles of 4B be adapted to the American cultural context?
- Individual vs. Collective Action: Should feminist activism focus on individual empowerment or collective action?
- Long-Term Impact: What are the potential long-term consequences of such a radical movement on individuals and society?
This article provides a fascinating glimpse into a global feminist movement and its potential impact on the future of gender relations. It invites readers to consider the complexities of feminist activism and the various strategies employed to challenge patriarchal norms.