Donna Woolfolk Cross explains in her article, "Propaganda: How Not to Be Bamboozled" that propaganda shapes our attitudes on thousands of subjects by tactics such as name-calling which "consists of labeling people or ideas with words of bad connotation" (Cross 210). Aunt Lydia uses name-calling by stating that these women were lazy sluts and explains how important and how much better childbirth is in Gilead in comparison to the old days. Her manipulative speech is what blocks the handmaids from thinking, only to react unquestioningly. Cross's article explains that glittering generalities "try to get us to accept and agree without examining the evidence" (Cross 211). Aunt Lydia's use of glittering generalities and convincing tone of voice makes these women accept whatever she defines them as, giving no reason to think otherwise.
Motherhood and marriage is seen to be a key factor in the society of which The Bell Jar is set ,and is portrayed as one of the things that supresses female identity when Esther is asked to be “Mrs Buddy Willard” as if she is owned by Buddy and not her own person. Even though Top Girls is set in 1980’s England while Margret Thatcher is Prime Minister, it shows direct correlations to the ideas shown in The Bell Jar. Just as the bell jar itself portrays motherhood and marriage to be a hindrance to Careers In the form of Dodo Conway, Top Girls protagonist Marlene symbolises the other option women have in the choice between a career and a family. Marlene, unlike her sister Joyce, is shown to have given up her child for the chance to pursue a career as if having both is impossible; a lot like Jaycee is in The Bell Jar. This essay will argue that In both texts motherhood and marriage is shown to be a hindrance to both women’s careers and their female identity.
It is also differently represented in the world, depending on the country location and historical traditions. In sequence, we found it interesting to study this evolution as a first step, and then to study the sociological issue for what it comes to women’s rights as second step, to present later on the women’s position in different countries and religions. The picture of a medieval woman, sitting near a window, doing needlework and waiting for her lord to come home from battle has been branded not only in our minds but the general public as well through literature and current media such as motion pictures and romantic fiction. Tina Cooper, in her article entitled “The Use of Power and Influence by a Medieval Woman”, said that “Discovering the life of a medieval woman can be a lot tougher than tracing that of a man. There are fewer resources available for us to trace a medieval woman's way of life as opposed to that of a man with equal station at the time”.
Cher’s deviation from Emma’s character highlights the changing representation of feminism and femininity in the last few decades. Cher is a representation of post-feminism, in that she rejects the 1970’s notion of feminism as opposed to femininity . Rather, Cher embraces femininity while also being a figure of authority amongst her fellow peers i.e. the debate scene highlights Cher’s confidence and in the scene of her attempted courtship of Christian, close ups of Cher’s full, red lips attest to her sexual appeal. Jacinda Read describes this as a form of “popular feminism.” This demonstrates a drastic shift from Austen’s time as women can now seek educational pursuits and financial independence.
In ther essay, Winn describes television as a “decline of family life in America” and “damaging to family relationships”. Although she obtains strong supporting evidence within her work, I find pleasure in contradicting her opinion as she misinterprets the influence of television upon American families. In her essay she states her opinion of television’s influence upon modern day families. Winn questions her readers as she uses the statements, ”When do they talk about what they did that day? When do they make plans, exchange, views, share jokes, tell about their triumphs or little disasters?
Also, the fear of the Soviet Union and communism brought along extreme anti-communist like Joseph McCarthy whose accusatory actions indicated the perhaps excessive and unnecessary caution taken by the American people. This time was also a period of economic, social and cultural change. Eisenhower’s policy of small government encouraged private companies and states to have more control over the economy. Women, although expected to stay at home as mothers and wives were influenced by their changed roles during and after WWII. Novels like The Feminine Mystique during this time launched the future women’s movement that called for political and social rights for women.
Tenacious and headstrong, she brushes off any opposition to her goal. Think Diana Rigg in The Avengers, Sigourney Weaver in Alien, Sarah Michelle Gellar in Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Lucy Lawless in Xena, Warrior
Annaly Aviles Jeremy Voigt AP English, July 26, 2012 What life is now? In the novel “Amusing ourselves to Death” by Neil Postman, he indicates that the television has greatly impacted our culture. The main big argument that Postman has, is how television has overcome the printed word. This has become a big problem because it has greatly affected economics, politics, religion, and education. Children are so used television entertaining them that they expect the teachers to entertain them the same way, so they are unable to learn as they would without television.
During and after World War II, women's magazine served as an advice quide, fashion manual, marriage counselor, catalog and more. This collection of magazines and journals entries provide a resource for understanding how the popular press comprehended and attempted to influence women's behavior, goals and values in the postwar era. History shows that women have been categorized only as housekeepers and nurturers, a fact that continues to torment those women who strive for political and business careers today. The conspicuous images from World War II women's magazines reveal the cultural inclination to focus on women's intrinsic duties of family and home, with a emphasis on fashion and beauty, even during a time of shortage, rationing, and
. My three virtues, says God. The three virtues, my creatures. My daughters, my children. Are themselves like my other creatures.