Generalizations

I think women these days sometimes shy away from their uniqueness, not wanting to bring attention to the fact that they are so different from men. The article If Men Could Menstruate highlighted the distinction between men and women. Light-hearted phrases such as, "Clearly, menstruation would become an enviable, worthy, masculine event," had most of the girls in the class laughing. Some of the males however, were offended by the author, Steinem's, generalizations and believed that her argument became increasingly less valid as she continued to poke fun at men. I think the article was more a call on women to take pride in their differences, than it was an attack on men. I think the reason Steinem referred to males as an example, was because men are known to have a way with spinning something negative into something positive. If this is the case, males should be flattered that Steinmen is encouraging women to be more like men. I believe that whoever has the power has the ability to change society's view on certain subjects. For example in the movie Mean Girls, "The Plastics" (a popular group of girls) can initiate any trend they want in their high school because people look up to them. Steinem wants women to take ownership and pride in the qualities that are uniquely female.

In the text Why I Want a Wife, the author uses a sarcastic tone to lampoon the stereotypical "duties of a Wife." I think the reason she capitalizes the word wife is because she views it as a classification that can overpower females. Certain phrases sound absurd in context; for example, "If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my present wife with another one." However, this particular mindset does exist amongst men in some parts of the world. For example, in parts of the Middle East women are expected to maintain monogamous relationships while it is acceptable for men to have affairs and even multiple wives. On the other hand though, the author's generalizations are impersonal and stereotype men. The majority of husbands are not demeaning towards their wives and I could see how this article could be offensive. Although the course is called "women's literature," it is the first class that prompted me to approach and consider situations from both the male and female perspective.

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/regina-george?before=1294352327