Feminist Movement Part Deux
How strange that Mrs. Conformity should post about this. I was just thinking about it the other day and even had a conversation with the Soldier and was going to write a post. So rather than write a very long comment, I thought I'd just make a new post.
I was finishing my novel, "The Age of Innocence." In it, it details the main character's new marriage and the characteristics of his wife. In all things she is pure and innocent by running away from and denying any troubles or things that are "unpleasant," as they say. This was the norm for all the females in their 1870's aristocratic society and what made them desirable to men.
This reminded me of something I learned in college called "The Cult of True Womanhood." Its tenets are piety, purity, domesticity, and submissiveness. This has been happening for centuries but was most enforced from the years of the pilgrims all the way to the 20th century (most notably in Victorian times). It got me thinking, does this still apply? Does society favor a woman who embodies these qualities? I think it does, especially within our church (even the submissiveness, insofar as "obedience to the priesthood" goes). But then I also realized, I am not exactly any of these things--BUT I am still valued and loved by my significant other. He jokes about me being more submissive, but I wonder if that would really make him happy. Sure, we would probably never fight if I just gave in. But would there be any equity in our relationship? Would he respect me as much if I never took a stand of my own, or would he consider me as men of old considered their women, as mere objects and property, a thing to be molded to their liking?
I think there is merit in building some of these qualities in our lives. I guess you could say that even the submissive part can be exercised by choosing our battles and knowing when to let a thing lie. But it is wrong to think that we are not "good" unless we adhere to only these rules. Society has changed, and our modern women have accomplished so much in the way of equality and of earning respect among men. In my opinion, I believe we truly reach our potential when we can embody the good qualities expressed in past times yet still progress as strong, hard-working, independent, thinking women of our modern times.
I was finishing my novel, "The Age of Innocence." In it, it details the main character's new marriage and the characteristics of his wife. In all things she is pure and innocent by running away from and denying any troubles or things that are "unpleasant," as they say. This was the norm for all the females in their 1870's aristocratic society and what made them desirable to men.
This reminded me of something I learned in college called "The Cult of True Womanhood." Its tenets are piety, purity, domesticity, and submissiveness. This has been happening for centuries but was most enforced from the years of the pilgrims all the way to the 20th century (most notably in Victorian times). It got me thinking, does this still apply? Does society favor a woman who embodies these qualities? I think it does, especially within our church (even the submissiveness, insofar as "obedience to the priesthood" goes). But then I also realized, I am not exactly any of these things--BUT I am still valued and loved by my significant other. He jokes about me being more submissive, but I wonder if that would really make him happy. Sure, we would probably never fight if I just gave in. But would there be any equity in our relationship? Would he respect me as much if I never took a stand of my own, or would he consider me as men of old considered their women, as mere objects and property, a thing to be molded to their liking?
I think there is merit in building some of these qualities in our lives. I guess you could say that even the submissive part can be exercised by choosing our battles and knowing when to let a thing lie. But it is wrong to think that we are not "good" unless we adhere to only these rules. Society has changed, and our modern women have accomplished so much in the way of equality and of earning respect among men. In my opinion, I believe we truly reach our potential when we can embody the good qualities expressed in past times yet still progress as strong, hard-working, independent, thinking women of our modern times.
posted by Anonymous at 4/17/2006 11:04:00 AM
4 Comments:
I think as a woman, and man for that matter, its all about doing what makes you happy and being who you really are. I think worrying about earning respect from men and the topic of objectification is a never ending circle. I think if we just be who we are whether its submissive, bold, confident, nurturing, whatever it is, all long as we are being true to who we are and not pretending to be something we are not.. that that is what is the most respectful thing a woman can be.
I agree with Trish. I feel so much more satisfied and fulfilled when I am with Piper.. Although I do really like working and getting out and dressing up and accomplishing money, I feel this wierd guilt everytime I leave. But I dont know I am kinda torn.. I like working but I hate leaving Piper. I never thought much about this until I had a baby. I always wanted a career.
I'll chime in as the MANLY voice today!!!
I won't pretend to think I am the authority on how anyone should act, but in my opinion the most attractive, awe-inspiring thing is to see a woman who is caring, optimistic, innocent (not naive), and feminine. A woman that adds to the beauty in the world with her attitude, and avoids adding to the ugliness by tearing people down, and criticizing life in general. A woman that acts like a woman, and doesn't think that statement is degrading. In other words, a woman that is trying to live the gospel.
That's my opinion.
I agree with all the points that have been said. The most important thing that we can do as men, is not to label our women, or treat them as such, but to look at them as equals. Equality is what was being fought for. I think a lot of women lose sight of that, and begin to tear everyone and everything around them down. That to me is a personal problem that many latched onto. It begins wit hself respect. Respect yourself and you will get respect in return. If you can walk with your head high, in whatever you do, then do it.
I think the best quote comes from Pres. Hinckley about how all wives and women should be treated.
"I’ve tried to recognize my wife’s individuality, her personality, her desires, her background, her ambitions. Let her fly. Yes, let her fly! Let her develop her own talents. Let her do things her way. Get out of her way, and marvel at what she does."
Post a Comment
<< Home