Okay so,
At one point I read "Still Needing the F Word" by Anna Quindlen in 2003. This piece really got me thinking. I was blown away with how anyone can believe that the world is in a "postfeminist era." Women still, on average, make less than men.
Also, it made me irritated to see it written that, "being 'cute' trumps being smart for women in the social environment." This irritated me because of the fact that I am positive that some of my female friends and I are more intelligent and well-rounded than a fair amount of our male peers. The fact that strong, independant women are expected to hide their intelligence and act "cute" just does not satisfy what being a woman is. To me, being a woman means being cute WHILE acting out your real personality. So, being cute while being smart, funny, strong, and whatever other traits make up that woman's personality.
When the writing says that "now young women find themselves facing not one, but two societal, and self-imposed, straight jackets," I believe that women have more than two straight jackets. Women have to face more stereotypes than men, they are usually the main caretakers of their families, they also take care of their families while taking care of their children, plus many more along with the two that they stated in the text.
These are some of my opinions about this text. Please feel free to discuss this with me.
Completely agree with everything. The thing about straight jackets is true, we have so many more things tying us down than just the two she brought up. I do have to say though, that I will hide my intelligence and just act cute at times, but I am usually trying to manipulate someone....I know I am evil, its ok.
ReplyDeleteI understand about acting cute and hiding intelligence sometimes, but all the time, and IN THE WORKPLACE is just absolutely stupid. Also, the way they said it made me feel like women are EXPECTED to act that way all the time, which again is ridiculous and demeaning.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree. I think every girl tries to act that way in one way or another, but in the workplace it is completely uncalled for.
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