During this week, we discussed the different views of feminism between the works Deborah Tannen and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Whereas females are illustrated as the lesser and weaker gender of the two, I strongly believe that both men and women have same degrees of responsibilities and power in society.
It is important to realize that stereotyping will continue for the rest of human existence. Human nature is inclined to feel insecure; consequently, humans will always judge others to compare themselves. However, in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester's strong character allows her to become an outlier in society. Her isolated position combined with her perseverance unexpectedly give her the ability to rise from the deep depths of sin to the thriving position of a seamstress who not only sews for the rich, but also provides for the poor. She has the power to contribute to society and its demands. She has the power to change other people's views of her although she will never forget her sin herself. She has the power to maintain her moral integrity and wear her scarlet letter with a sort of pride.
An individual's power is directly derived from community's placement of power to that individual. Society will see what they believe they will see. For example, the community places such low standards to "sluts," simply from appearance because that is what society expects from a "slut." Many high school students or even adults regard individuals, especially women, with skimpy and revealing clothing to be considered sexually promiscuous, in other words, a slut. People are inclined to stereotype these certain ways because there are actual prostitutes or promiscuous individuals in our world today, and humans have a nature to compare and contrast with other humans. However, women should not be confined to these lowly opinions; they are part of the human race with equal rights and equal power, whether "marked" or "unmarked". Women are leaders in the world, whether from household environments to professional environments. Every human in the world, both man and woman, has and always will have the capability of substantial power and responsibility.
I loved the allusion in your title to Sheniqua! Gave me a good chuckle. I like your repition about the stark fact that judgement/stereotypes are inevitable; it is a powerful point. Another solid post by Vincent Thieu, you never fail to impress me with your insight.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your position that men and women both have responsibilities and power. It is also really true that stereotyping is everywhere and unavoidable, but that this should not stop people from accomplishing their goals.
ReplyDeleteI respectfully disagree. Everyday individuals challenge the social norm and what society expects of them in order to make a difference in society.
ReplyDeleteTrevor, I never said that they cannot rise above the norm. In fact, I say the opposite when I write, "However, women should not be confined to these lowly opinions; they are part of the human race with equal rights and equal power, whether "marked" or "unmarked". " As shown, I assert that women have the ability to rise above society's standards. I spoke of how society stereotypes people, not how society brings them down. I also spoke of how those people have the "capability of substantial power" to, as you said, "make a difference in society."
DeleteI agree, stereotyping is unavoidable, which is very sad. We have come so far as a society, but we still cannot shake our basic instinct of judgement.
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