Being a woman myself, I felt like I could really connect with Gloria Steinem's "If Men Could Menstruate" and Margaret Fuller's "The Great Lawsuit." A word that came up in both of these essays was "weak" relating to women. What men do not realize is how important women are to our society and how much they do for men. Women are said to be equal to men, compared to how they were treated centuries ago, but has the equality actually changed? I believe it has changed, but yet women are still not being appreciated like they should be.
Although "The Great Lawsuit" was very difficult to comprehend, Fuller's point came across clear. "All men are privately influenced by women," I believe this is true. I know I influence the men in my life, at least I hope I do. And I know I am not the only woman out there who has an impact on a man, whether men realize it or not. They could not function correctly without us. Fuller says in her article that the reason why men and women are not "equal" is, "to avoid collision and to bring forth ravishing harmony." If men and women were treated the same, I believe that we would still get along, but maybe then would women be greatly appreciated like we should.
"If Men Could Menstruate" really gave me a great laugh. That would be the weirdest thing! On a serious note, I agree with Steinem when she claims that menstruation would become enviable, worthy, and masculine. My attention was caught a few sentences later. Men getting their period for the first time would be like the beginning of manhood. This date would be remembered, whereas for girls it does not even matter. Everything would be completely flipped around from being negative to positive. When Gloria Steinem connected this to God, I was particularly interested. "He gave his blood for our sins" None of this is compared to women's period, but if it was a man menstruating it would all change and turn into something that makes men superior to women. It blows my mind how women are not appreciated or treated how they should.
I appreciated your very feminism outlook on the situation. I too saw the lack of praise towards women when reading "If Men Could Menstruate". The "Great Lawsuit" was definitely more scientific and complex. Using bigger words and more serious logic, I saw some faults in her reasoning. But I think that if men and women were to be treated completely equally, we would still be appreciated as well as before. It's not because a mother doesn't stay at home anymore she isn't seen as strong and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEven though men like myself don't like to admit it, we are most definitely influenced by women. Men need women to feel prideful about someone. We also feel the need to protect and provide for someone which women influence into doing such as paying the check or opening the car door. There is nothing wrong with this as I have much respect for women and the role they have in our society. I enjoyed your post Dani!
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