I think everyone should stop and take a moment to realize the work that women do. Although some women get credit for their accomplishments, others do not. The duties women fulfill are sometimes exploited or overlooked. "If Men Could Menstruate" by Gloria Steinem and "The Great Lawsuit" by Margaret Fuller bring up many eyeopening points about regards to women. One comparison made in both articles is blacks and women. This makes a lot of sense to me because you can tell that both are not treated the same. I believe that all people should be treated equally.
The article "If Men Could Menstruate" took a more serious topic and turned it into something light and at points, hysterical. The fact that men would go around and brag about menstruating and think of it as a hierarchy is the point that stuck with me the most. "Menopause would be celebrated as a positive event, a symbol that men had accumulated enough years of cyclical wisdom to need no more". This statement shows that men would turn this into a different ordeal than women do. Women deal with the problems that come and the troubles they face, but would men do the same?
The second article "The Great Lawsuit" was quite confusing to me. It was written so long ago that the language is not the same as we use today. The statement that made this article click in my mind was "All men are privately influenced by women". This is very true in every mans life. All men are influenced in one way or another by a woman. Whether that woman is a grandmother, mother, aunt, sister, or friend, they learn many great things from them. Women are wise people and I do not feel that they always get the credit they deserve. Next time you see an important woman in your life, tell her thank you. It will make her feel good about the wonderful things she has done in life.
I agree with you on many points, Kristin. I was also intrigued by the comparison of women and blacks. I had never really thought of it in this way before, but now that the articles brought it up, it makes so much sense. Both are groups that are discriminated against for something that they have absolutely no control over, and that needs to stop.
ReplyDelete"If Men Could Menstruate," instead of making me laugh, actually made me a bit angry. To suggest that men could get away with things such as rape ("Judge Cites Monthlies In Pardoning Rapist") is appalling to me. Steinem is suggesting that men would exploit having a period in countless ways, which is clearly wrong. Women do the exact opposite--most of us try to hide the fact that we are menstruating and keep the cramps and mood swings to ourselves as best as we can. I do see where some would find this article humorous, and I appreciate Steinem's approach, but I thought it was a bit too blasé about the issue and what she is suggesting would happen if men could menstruate.
Emily, I completely agree with you on the ideas in the second essay. I do not think it is appropriate for men to act in such manner when women try to keep all of these things private. We believe that it is our own business and do not expect tons of special treatment. You bring up some great points that I may have looked past the first time reading the essay.
DeleteI found it intriguing how you brought up the fact that women and black Americans are both discriminated against still today, even though all laws say that everyone is equal. I myself have actually made this comparison as well but never thought anyone else would have seen it this way until I read these articles. Discrimination is everywhere in our world, and unfortunately women sometimes get the worst of it. I agree with you, women deserve to be noticed and appreciated for all we do because we truly do influence everyone and everything.
ReplyDeleteI also noticed the correlation between the unfair treatment of women and black people. One part that really stuck out to me was when Steinem said that the "superior group" will use whatever they have to declare themselves "superior," even if it was illogical. The white man has been the oppressor of women/african americans for decades and decades, whilst using arguments that constantly contradict themselves! I appreciated how Steinem used this notion and, as you mentioned, made it into a light and funny topic.
ReplyDeleteI also struggled to read "The Great Lawsuit," but I too gathered some great main points from the essay. I didn't think so much about how women are truly under-appreciated, and I'm glad your pointed that out, because it's a very good point!