During 1960’s and 70’s we have the second wave of feminism, a rapid wave that strongly spread throughout United States (Encyclopedia Britannica). Major themes were gender equality and discrimination. A majority of females were complaining about the lack of opportunities offered, and the wasted time and talent as house wives with a short vision of children and husband. The influence of it also touched literature, an example could be considered Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which was written at that period. During the beginning of the novel we valued the strength that Holly had to break from the social norms and traditions and present a new image of a female in the society; her authenticity made Holly such an intriguing protagonist.
In the play Trifles, Susan Glaspell demonstrates the injustice towards women and their very basic fundamental rights, this brings the patience of a few women to a tipping point and initiates the birth of a buried movement after centuries of reticence, during the early twentieth century in North America. It is this common memory and experiences among women, which motivated few women to rise up against the male dominated Justice System, which eventually wakes up the rest of the women in the society through time. However, ironically, this movement is accomplished in a secret way and in silence against the male dominated justice system of America, because silence itself is a very powerful tool for women; in other words concealing of knowledge helps
Especially social media and our day to day lives make us teenagers more aware of the still very present discrimination and harassment of women. The day we become aware of sexism in our everyday lives, becomes the day when wearing tons of makeup, or nothing at all, being who we are, loving unapologetic and doing what we do, becomes a feminist statement. But is it possible to combine ones love for feminism with aspects of ones day to day life? Is one even capable of enjoying the same things one once used to love, through a new, feminist view? Most teenagers dwell in their love for television shows, movies and books and most writers get the hint for the demand of feminism in these popular artforms and incorporate feminist storylines in their work and try to empower woman with it.
She uses example of her grandmother to illustrate the gender inequalities that were present women. "Gielie," as her grandmother was called, set high standards for the next female generation of her family education was emphasized, extracurricular activities were encouraged, and being successful was necessary. Sandberg uses statistics to show that highly trained women are drooping out of the workplace at a rapid place because of the fear they have their male opponents. She also focuses on the absence of ambition among females in the labor pool and why women in today 's culture are fearful of being ambitions. Factors that cause a so called "leadership ambition gap" are discussed along with why women feel devalued within a professional
Critical Lens Essay #2 In the 19th century women begun to rise up against gender roles and social expectations that have had oppressed women throughout history, women yearned to be just as equal as men. Authors like Charlotte Perkins Gilman, a feminist author during the 19th century, would create characters and stories that would get her message across as shown in one of Gilman’s most famous stories “The Yellow Wallpaper” which touches upon a woman’s mental and physical health as well as the main character’s oppression which holded her back for a long time. The main character from “The Yellow Wallpaper” expresses throughout the story how she wishes to break free from all that is holding her back and live the life she has always wanted. “How wrong it it for a woman to expect the man to create a world she wants, rather than create it herself” (Anaϊs Nin)
Gender stereotyping has been an issue within society for many years, and this issue is not decreasing. Having specific gender roles is prominent in society and happens on a daily basis, though this is also being advertised in many films. The movie, Legally Blonde (Luketic, 2001), reinforces gender-based assumptions and stereotypes in different ways. I will argue that the illustration of women in this film represent inaccurate gender stereotypes that work to point to the character that is the perfect women. I will do this by investigating three female characters and analyzing how these stereotypes show women that they should be the “perfect” women.
Nowadays, it is rare to not see many beauty contests on the news of all categories. According to Dixie Sun News, “From infancy on, beauty pageants teach women that all you need to succeed in life is beauty.” This idea is already poison to begin with, considering this is the very first thing a child is learning. The pressures and expectations of pageants can lead to plastic surgery, eating disorders, depression, and even suicide to girls at such a young age. This kind of mindset carries on with the girls and only get worse. Pageants are everywhere in society, from small towns, to colleges, then so on.
There are many factors that contribute to the reason certain teenagers not only become, but choose to be pregnant, regardless of opposing circumstances. These factors have much to do with the fact that times are continuously changing and so are people and their decisions. Teenage pregnancies have been reported to be on the decline, and abortion rates are even lower. These young females worldwide may all be different, but the reasons for why they choose to be pregnant are very similar. Teen pregnancy is one of today’s major concerns and there are many diverse theories as to why these girls want to become mothers.
In “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates, both female protagonists are faced with opposing male forces that seek to control, undermine and take advantage of them. However, in the midst of the challenges and subordination they face from these dominant male figures, each protagonists independence is tested as they both strive to overcome these forces. Connie, the protagonist in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is a 15 year old, narcissistic teenage girl, searching for independence through her sexuality as she enters into the realm of adulthood. “Everything about her had two sides to it, one for home and one for anywhere that was not home,” (Oates, 1). As she matures into adulthood, Connie constantly preoccupies herself with her appearance, “craning her neck to glance into mirrors or checking other people’s faces to make sure her own was alright,” (Oates, 1).
Indian women novelists have contributed more for the development of Indian literature. The Indian literature has gifted several talented women novelists who present the Indian version of such books and that too within the limits of dignity and decency. Most of the female novelists are known for their bold views that are reflected in their novels. Among them, Anita Nair is one of the feminist writers. Her novels explore the disturbed psyche of the modern Indian women.