(for tuesday - February 2nd)
The two readings for this week exemplified one idea from class that I thought was really important. Both readings discussed how women are trying to break out of the roles that society has given them, whether it is being classified as less than a man in the work place as Levy suggests or if it’s growing up with Barbie’s and unrealistic expectations of womanhood through media. I think that both of these readings show how working within the system to make changes has failed for women. I think both readings support the idea of radical feminism and highlights how little progress we really have made.
In the Levy reading, women are working to overturn their stereotype by becoming an exception to the normal female stereotype. Men award women who act “like men” the role of “honorary man”. Women feel empowered by having this role and feel honored to be the woman that is the exception, but the main stereotype still exists. The “honorary man” even helps the stereotype to continue by joining in on male activities that degrade women, such as watching The Man Show or reading Playboy. The “honorary man” becomes a role that women aspire to. They want that acceptance from men and they are awarded with success when they act in that manner.
Jane Pratt is a woman who wanted to revolutionize the system. As a young girl she read magazines that did little to help with her self-esteem or unrealistic expectations of what a woman should be. Her dreams were curtailed by authority figures in her life that assumed that she wouldn’t be capable of them because of her sex. When she finally decided on a career, she chose magazines, but her attempt to create a magazine that “really spoke to girls” and gave them realistic expectation and advise was met with adversity. Even when it comes to the norms of society, working within the system won’t work.
Elisabeth, you accurately explain how women often try to work within the system, which too often results in limited progress. I agree with this point and feel that certain significant changes too often overshadow the inequality that continues to exist. While feminist have made substantial progress over the past century, gender inequality remains a problem. You nicely summarize Levy’s argument in order to convey her message. Men continue to partake in activities that degrade women in order to gain empowerment. Women who act “like men” in hopes of dissolving gender gaps are often criticized and isolated. These women may be ridiculed for being too masculine. It is difficult to develop a successful balance of feminine and masculine traits that allow gender gaps to dissolve. Women must continue to try various paths to reduce barriers and increase opportunities. While change has been achieved, much remains to be done.
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