Body Image

The women's body has been portrayed many ways throughout the years, but I feel that the representations have gotten worse as days progress. In the past the image of the ideal woman was a larger, curvacious woman, like Marilyn Monroe. Today the image of beauty has been transformed into a extremely slender, sometimes sickly looking woman. 

The advertising industry used women to sell products but used them to do just that, sell. Women are now shown in dead like positions, almost used as props, and generally have nothing to do with the product being sold. Who would want to buy something that advertises a dead women? The women's body is also being seen as a part, not as a whole. It seems to show that women's chests are more important than seeing their face. That image only silences women, and takes away the "person" creating an object to desire. 

The women's body had been once been seen as beautiful, is now just parts... how does that happen? When did the whole women become less important than a chest or butt. We are now shown as legs for a table, or props. 

Abuse has also grown more in advertising. In the past, women were seen as a more cherished figure, a stature of beauty and elegance, but now were are being abused and killed to sell. Is it because women have begun to stand up for themselves, and are gaining a voice. This voice and power can't be outdone by the males so we are treated like objects to be beaten on. I don't know where this abusive nature for advertising came from, and why it begun, but I feel, there needs to be something done about it. I don't want to be silenced and i certainly don't want to see dead looking women to buy a product. I want to be seen as a beautiful figure once again to be cherished and not looked down upon. 

First Wave

I feel that the way women formed into groups was a very beneficial strategy to try to get voices heard and ideas constructed. I felt that the women's club movement gave women a way to help other women, who may be struggling in the home. These clubs were around to unite women as a strong fighting force against the oppression they were facing. 

Women were being forced back into the home when the men came back from war, and rightfully so the women fought back. They had every right to be upset, they were forced to be the "perfect housewife". A hot dinner was meant to be prepared and waiting for the man of the house to come home. The house was to be cleaned and the children were to be tended to. 

Why were educated, strong, women forced out of jobs they were good at. Women could respond better to magazines discussing issues related to their lives, better than a man can guess. The country didn't fall into ruins when women took control of the work force, more than likely more was actually accomplished. 

I also really liked the consciousness raising groups idea. It gave more than a voice to women, it gave them a way to say what they wanted and not be judged for it. They could say they hated being penned up all day doing chores while the men came home and did nothing. These groups liberated women, and gave them something to look forward to. The groups consisted of women just like them, talking about things they all agreed on. They were all equal with each other, fighting for one cause. 

I truthfully don't think that groups such as these would work today. People probably wouldn't feel comfortable attending such a group, because they fear doing wrong. Women like to complain in general and feel they don't need a group to speak to, they will more likely speak to anyone who will listen. I also feel like people don't want to get involved like they did in the past. Women are busier today than ever and may not have the time joining such a group if it existed. 

Liberal Feminism

Liberal feminists have based their efforts on the struggles to educate women. They strive to achieve equal access and equal power between the sexes. I believe that this tactic is the most persuasive because it uses the public sphere to address the public. They have a goal in mind that they are striving to achieve and they are not just complaining and protesting to get the job done.  There are actual laws that have been passed from their efforts such as title 9, making women have the same advantages in sports as men, and Roe vs. Wade, which has made strides in the women's choice for children. I feel that crying about a situation and actually getting what you want accomplished says a lot about the type of women pride themselves in being a Liberal Feminist. These women have shown strength to stand up to "the man" and fight for they they think is right, and actually achieve their goals. Clearly not all their goals have been met just yet but they are involving mainstream sources to get their messages across. 

Some may say that because the private sphere is not addressed that this group is not successful, or persuasive, but how can they not be when they have accomplished as much as they have? I feel that it is every woman's job to fight for their rights in their household. If all women would take a stand to their husband, or significant other and not stand by and watch them relax on the couch and eat potato chips, and make them do some work it would make more strides than people complaining about it and not actually doing what they are saying. 

If women want more rights in the home, then each individual should stand up for themselves. Do not let yourself be a doormat to men. Women have every right to take a job outside of the home and not have a second job as a maid. Men have two arms and legs just like every woman, so they are just as capable as women to do the work. 

Education is a strong source for women. Give them a chance and they may surprise you in what they are capable of. I think men are in fear, that if women become more educated on life, that they wont be the powerhouse any more and they fear being less than women. But I say, I want to learn as much as possible, I don't want to be left in the shadows.