Sandra Donkor Women's Studies Journal "Are Women Morally Superior To Men?” by Katha Pollitt Were mothers the natural leaders of the peace movement, to whose judgment nonmothers, male and female, must defer, because after all we couldn't know, couldn't feel that tenderness toward fragile human life that a woman who had borne and raised children had experienced? On the other hand, I was indeed a woman. Was motherhood with its special wisdom somehow deep inside me, to be called upon when needed, like my uterus? (p.50) In the reading, "Are Women Morally Superior To Men? written by Katha Pollitt,the obvious and underlying question is whether women are morally superior to men.
It largely objectifies the figure of the woman, or ‘mannequin’, but Plath also addresses the fact that women are “the tree of life”, showing how they are still important in society as they possess the crucial ability to bear children. Similarly, it demonstrates how a woman’s ability to reproduce is seriously hindered, or even removed, as a result of their required body shape as a ‘mannequin’. This is an issue often debated within Feminist circles because of the constant quest for “establishing political, economic, and social rights” that underpins all Feminist theory . According to Baumgardner and Richards, “It is not feminism's goal to control any woman's fertility, only to free each woman to control her own” , which is certainly not apparent in the way Plath’s society expects ‘mannequins’ to be, in sacrificing themselves for their profession. Therefore, in analysing the power of Plath’s symbolism within The Munich Mannequins and applying a Feminist perspective to the poem (although Plath’s role within and around Feminism is extremely ambiguous), perhaps one might be able to understand her writing and the social inequality she presents even further.
- to avoid preconceptions whereas men can make superficial decisions ranging incomparably narrow. In addition, Tannen suggests an example where women can be simply judged based on their titles - “Ms.” and “Mrs.” Tannen adds on by referring to Ralph Fasold’s research that it is actually the male that is marked. She writes, “Fasold points out that girls are born with fully female bodies, while boys are born with modified female bodies.” Tannen admits that she herself who is writing about the inequality between genders could be seen as a feminist, yet doubted that anyone would put that label on Fasold. Tannen concludes that she is unhappy about women not having the freedom to be unmarked as men had. Some days she just wants to get dressed and go about her business.
Pizan so obviously from the start of her writing, introduces how women should behave (from the perspective of a princess), so that her actions shall be beneficial to her and her husband. By talking about the finances, which is radical, Pizan degrades women in all other aspects. Degrading is used in the sense that she does not promote equality in any other way other than the financial aspect. These women could be considered early feminists if they looked for equality in other things as well not just a specific
Sacajawea did what I think most would do in her situation, which is take the task forced upon you. She was born into a time where there was not many choices in which she could actually choose what she wanted out of life. If it was not her to lead Lewis and Clark they would found some alternative guide and history would have some other native to negotiate whether what they did was right or wrong. That for whatever reasoning behind what happened and if it's justified or not, it was all necessary for our civilization because without we would not be where we are today. I agree with Sherman Alexie's when he says that this expedition is one that should “..be celebrated by liberals and castigated by conservatives.” Colonization is something that many perceive differently, and whether you are for or against how America was created I assure you with which ever you think is the truth, your answer will still be conflicted with many
Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” (Lopez A5) It is evident that over the course of history, the plight of women has caused women of different circumstances and problems to be empowered and exert their full efforts to bring about necessary reforms and many times have they succeeded. With that said, women empowerment should be about more than just breaking the bounds of repression, but more than that, being truly free to be women who remain true to the authentic set of morals and standards they have set for themselves. It is important that women develop a sense of purpose within them and make use of their personal potential, not only for the benefit of themselves, but more importantly, for the betterment of society. That spark of purpose has to emerge and start with the self until it burns brighter to enlighten those around them; the potential of a woman has the power to be truly
Prof. Spivak’s reading of Jane Eyre traces hidden imperialist sub-text in Jane Eyre’s narrative of bourgeois female individualism. By tracing this, she challenges Anglo-American Feminist reading of Jane Eyre which celebrates Jane’s heroic narrative of self determination to the exclusion of Bertha Mason’s colonial genealogy. Bronte’s novel presents a superior representation of Jane ,the western woman and Bertha’s representation as subservient to Jane .This is a typical tendency of Anglo-American feminist literary criticism to privilege the individual narrative of
In this paper, I will argue for Butler’s view on how certain gender performance is restricted in these numerous fields, and how Ms. Butler would object to these various situations. In the opening statement of Gender Trouble, Butler states, “feminist theory has assumed that there is some existing identity, understood through the category of women, who initiates feminist interests and goals.” (CITE GENDER TROUBLE PAGE 1 HERE) By this quote, she explains that feminist theory created the problem that it represents, while at the same time preventing its own progression. She supports this claim with her primary example of gender restriction in the field of representation in politics. Although this problem has no surefire resolution, it is suggested that in order for women to have true political visibility, the development of an identity that truly represents one as an individual is key. Butler suggests the following theory as a solution to these multifaceted complications.
We/I was void of an organized format categorizing each Cohorts ideas or thoughts. I and my team members were looking in too many directions resulting in an unorganized debate of our ideas. I was astounded that my formation of thoughts and problem solving methods related to western culture and ego, on the other hand I knew my six senses played a role however I did not employ them in a organized systematic format. Now, I am more attuned to how each of these elements cultivates my unique problem solving system. Although, I rated high on a Mind Tools-Creative Thinking test, I still possess some characteristics of a classic thinking.
So yes both women and men do communicate differently. Let’s face it we are all very different all around. The allegation that men and women communicate in different ways, about different things, and for different reasons seems to go un-argued and is accepted as true by a vast majority of Americans. It is the reason why we communicate differently that conjures up quite a bit of debate and conversational turmoil. One of the most traditional hypothesis is the one John Gray wrote about in his book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, which essentially points to differences in brain structure, hormones, and socialization as the cause of such an enormous gender gap in communication.