I am a very independent woman. I am going to use woman because I am 22 and therefore according to my social work class, no longer a girl.
I don't like to complain and use the "I'm just a girl" or "you don't get it because you're not a woman" excuses a lot but sometimes they are necessary. Until women and men get equal pay for the same jobs, I will pull the woman card when I feel it is needed to justify my cause. I know that most men do not like this or get it, but hey I'm a woman and I can do it. It's my card. No matter how much of an education I get, even if I get a PhD, I will never earn as much in salary because I am a woman. Something that I never had any say in has predetermined a part of my life. Lovely.
Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy being female for the most part. It is just hard to not think that life would be easier male. I also am not a radical feminist, although I guess I would have to say I am somewhat of a feminist since I am writing this. Yet I do not get upset when men hold the door open for me, in fact, I like it. Chivalry is greatly appreciated by me. I do want to be taken care of, but I never ever want to depend completely on a man. This may or may not hurt my chances in the love department. We will see.
I got off on a tangent there, so back to my woman rant. I am currently taking a domestic and intimate partner violence class and in our text book, the ideas of masculinity and femininity and the effects that culture has on them is discussed. We learn how to act as a male or a female from our culture and surroundings. You can't do much to fight it. In the US, we have had pretty much the same ideals and expectations about masculinity and femininity for quite some time now. Men are suppose to be strong, powerful, the breadwinner, and a sexual prowess. (The book's terms, not mine) While women are suppose to be passive, submissive, and domestic. There is an article in the book that was taken from Housekeeping Monthly in 1955, entitled The Good Wife's Guide. I'm sure you know where I'm going with this, but let me list a few things from that article.
In no particular order:
-Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people.
-During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
-Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
-Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first---remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
-Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
-A good wife always knows her place.
This list made me throw up a little in my mouth. Seriously. Now I know that this was written a long time ago and it rather outdated, but it is still sickening. I know that times have changed and that not all men expect this from women or their wives. I just am disgusted that this is what was expected of women. It's ridiculous.
Let me wrap this up by saying, I do not think that women are treated unfairly all the time. There are just some instances that bother me and upset me and therefore, I pull the woman card in hopes that someone will listen to what I have to say. To have my voice heard is all I really want. I don't have to be right (even though most of the time I think I am), I just want to have a good conversation and hear what you have to say too.
So with that, thanks for letting me pull the card and remember guys, you can open the door for me anytime you want.
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