Period 1
10/26/23
Modern Mythology 2024
Socio-political Consciousness - What it Means to be a Woman
I went to stay at Barnard College—a women’s liberal arts college—at the beginning of the week as a part of their fly-in Barnard Bound program. Approximately 80 women gathered in one event center that was a place like no other—a room full of anticipated female (and non-binary) leaders. They proudly embraced their gender and identities but it made me wonder what exactly does it mean to be a woman?
Women are often described as objects, and that concept has been emphasized throughout literature—with a prevalent example of stories of Greek mythology illustrating females being toyed by male gods. They are seemingly defenseless but reportedly act as a force of evil that prey upon men’s temptations. In male dominated works of literature, the usage of the feminist critical lens to analyze the implications of gender stereotypes makes it further apparent that there is a forthright pattern–women have been oppressed.
Today, women are often limited conventionally through means such as the glass ceiling, even if they have the necessary ambition to seek greater heights. It has been constantly observed that women are at a disadvantage compared to men–women’s median salary is less than that of men and women are more likely to be victims of sexual assault compared to men–but women are attacked when they publicly speak of these issues (Smith, 2017).
Still, women (and people in general) should speak out amidst the possibility of being silenced. The true expression of voices is crucial to simply have a conversation and promote further discussion. Women should be able to proudly exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of ridicule. Further, the ability to express weaknesses should be encouraged, as it can prove to provide invaluable experiences. The support from others can act as motivation and bolster growth.
Women should be willing to take risks intellectually and within moderation should be pursued. Risk taking allows for women to not only challenge themselves, but the world around them. It has played an indirect role in Barnard’s unofficial mantra of ‘major in unafraid’. Fear should act as a guide but should not end up as a force of consumption and oppression.
Being able to accept your identity while willingly challenging and transforming it if necessary plays a role in finding some form of belonging in a community. A collection of distinct identities provide the framework for uniqueness where individuals make up a community, and communities make up a society. In such societies, differences should be celebrated and accomplishments should be welcomed with open arms.
Now, just what does it mean to be a woman?
I still believe that there is no one set definition, as humans are dynamic; even though my remarks have emphasized women, it does not mean that the aforementioned chronicles should be restricted solely to women. They are in fact applicable to humanity as a whole, regardless of gender.
Yet, the history of the oppression of women is nevertheless alarming. I remember many instances where I was forced to conform to the conviction that women should act “feminine”. Frankly, women should not be defined this way and should exercise the freedom to choose their own path.
At Barnard, the community profoundly shared one burning commonality–passion and ambition. These women acted for themselves rather than opt to be defined by stereotypes. Even though this seems cliché, my experience at the program as well as my overall, gradual journey have allowed me to come to accept myself and feel invigorated although there are still drawbacks of being a woman.
I see no other way to end this other than iterating that I am proud to be a woman. I am proud to be me. My experiences as a woman have become part of my identity, and encouraged me to unconventionally address stereotypes. Although paradigms may define women, the ability to challenge these paradigms can define women too.
Sources:
Smith, Sophie. “Limitations to Equality: Gender Stereotypes and Social Change.” IPPR, 22 June 2017, www.ippr.org/juncture/limitations-to-equality-gender-stereotypes-and-social-change.
I went to stay at Barnard College—a women’s liberal arts college—at the beginning of the week as a part of their fly-in Barnard Bound program. Approximately 80 women gathered in one event center that was a place like no other—a room full of anticipated female (and non-binary) leaders. They proudly embraced their gender and identities but it made me wonder what exactly does it mean to be a woman?
Women are often described as objects, and that concept has been emphasized throughout literature—with a prevalent example of stories of Greek mythology illustrating females being toyed by male gods. They are seemingly defenseless but reportedly act as a force of evil that prey upon men’s temptations. In male dominated works of literature, the usage of the feminist critical lens to analyze the implications of gender stereotypes makes it further apparent that there is a forthright pattern–women have been oppressed.
Today, women are often limited conventionally through means such as the glass ceiling, even if they have the necessary ambition to seek greater heights. It has been constantly observed that women are at a disadvantage compared to men–women’s median salary is less than that of men and women are more likely to be victims of sexual assault compared to men–but women are attacked when they publicly speak of these issues (Smith, 2017).
Still, women (and people in general) should speak out amidst the possibility of being silenced. The true expression of voices is crucial to simply have a conversation and promote further discussion. Women should be able to proudly exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of ridicule. Further, the ability to express weaknesses should be encouraged, as it can prove to provide invaluable experiences. The support from others can act as motivation and bolster growth.
Women should be willing to take risks intellectually and within moderation should be pursued. Risk taking allows for women to not only challenge themselves, but the world around them. It has played an indirect role in Barnard’s unofficial mantra of ‘major in unafraid’. Fear should act as a guide but should not end up as a force of consumption and oppression.
Being able to accept your identity while willingly challenging and transforming it if necessary plays a role in finding some form of belonging in a community. A collection of distinct identities provide the framework for uniqueness where individuals make up a community, and communities make up a society. In such societies, differences should be celebrated and accomplishments should be welcomed with open arms.
Now, just what does it mean to be a woman?
I still believe that there is no one set definition, as humans are dynamic; even though my remarks have emphasized women, it does not mean that the aforementioned chronicles should be restricted solely to women. They are in fact applicable to humanity as a whole, regardless of gender.
Yet, the history of the oppression of women is nevertheless alarming. I remember many instances where I was forced to conform to the conviction that women should act “feminine”. Frankly, women should not be defined this way and should exercise the freedom to choose their own path.
At Barnard, the community profoundly shared one burning commonality–passion and ambition. These women acted for themselves rather than opt to be defined by stereotypes. Even though this seems cliché, my experience at the program as well as my overall, gradual journey have allowed me to come to accept myself and feel invigorated although there are still drawbacks of being a woman.
I see no other way to end this other than iterating that I am proud to be a woman. I am proud to be me. My experiences as a woman have become part of my identity, and encouraged me to unconventionally address stereotypes. Although paradigms may define women, the ability to challenge these paradigms can define women too.
Sources:
Smith, Sophie. “Limitations to Equality: Gender Stereotypes and Social Change.” IPPR, 22 June 2017, www.ippr.org/juncture/limitations-to-equality-gender-stereotypes-and-social-change.
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