Women have been disregarded in Western Civilization for decades. Despite having been a major part in the formation of society, women often have had choices made for them by their male counterparts. Choices are made in favor of males' best interest as opposed to that of the women they leave out of the conversation. Women have a right and a need to be able to define their own destiny and not be forced to submit to the canon that has been constructed by the society around them. The protagonist of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie Crawford refuses to give in to the fate that those around her expect her to accept. Janie chooses to (like many women today) stand up for herself and makes decisions that benefit her as opposed to those who attempt to control her.
It is arguable that the way society functions is all a
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White men have historically been the group with the most power. This power has allowed (and still allows them) to make "standards" that others in society are expected to conform to. From the capture of African men and women that led to slavery, to the plans to defund Planned Parenthood in the modern day, decisions that negatively affect other groups are often made by white men. Men in general, have been able to create a canon for society that causes women to have to fall in line or be subjected to ridicule. Janie's journey embodies how men attempt to control women, however, Janie showcases that women do have a responsibility to resist such imposition and rise against it.The era in which the novel takes place is fraught with old-fashioned ideals. The ideology that women are meant to be subservient to their husbands was prevalent during this time and caused many women to live out their married lives miserably, often being abused both emotionally and physically. Janie is forced to marry at a