by Anne Elizabeth Sheu
Do you believe in reincarnation? What if God came down from Heaven one day and asked you, “Would you rather be a man or a woman in another life?” What would your answer be? Most people have, at some time or other in their lives, pondered over this hypothetical question. Silly as it is, what if God really posed this question to you? Would you give a noncommittal shrug and say offhandedly, “Whatever suits you, O Savior”? Would you cast your eyes down and smile impishly, “I think women have more fun”? Or would you, like me, narrow your eyes and answer with the utmost conviction, “I’d much rather be a man, if you please”? Although it is undeniable that society is fast changing and the traditional role of women is outdated, it seems that fundamentally, we are still stuck with the same old stereotypes of the housewife. A recent survey directed at co-ed students in Ivy League colleges showed that a majority of the students surveyed had no desire to step out of the boundaries of the traditional housewife. Getting married, having a baby, raising the baby, having more babies—all these were the standard replies of the women when inquired as to the reason for being contented just to stay at home. The results seem strange when all these women are academically superior students and, if given half a chance, are capable of excelling professionally as well. However, even if these women had opted for a professional life over the role of the housewife, it is by no means assured that they will find a satisfying job. More often than not, even highly motivated women will find themselves mired in the muddy waters of a secretarial job. While these service jobs prove invaluable to society, they are not exactly what these women had hoped for in a career. You may argue that for the past ten years or so, business management has been a hot career choice for proactive women. However, these managerial jobs are often mere fronts; the scepter is still gripped firmly in the man’s hand. And how exactly is the woman supposed to feel when she is passed over (for the third time) for that long-hoped-for promotion or raise in favor of a man less qualified? Men, however, have things considerably easier. Most of us instinctively think of men as the doers, the shakers, the movers of the world. They don’t just dabble in the murky waters of temporary jobs—No! they get out, build a career, and inevitably end up making a difference in things that “really matter.” In a setting where insensitivity is an asset and when philandering is nothing out of the ordinary, men are constantly reminded that they are busy taking care of crucial matters and their trivial shortcomings should be forgiven (or at least overlooked and/or excused). Down on the home front, men are no less worshiped. Pampered and coddled within an inch of their lives by their faithful, 24-hour-available, pretty little wives, men enjoy the same treatment they receive from their secretaries at work. Because he has been out earning a living for his family, he doesn’t expect to participate in domestic drudgework — the never-ending housework, the something–I–made- especially–for-you meals, the dealing with colicky babies, and of course we mustn’t forget the keeping-track-of-those- dammit!-disappearing-socks job. If, by chance, a man evades the attractiveness of wedlock, he is never continually harassed like a woman is. The Bachelor vs. Old Maid competition is clearly a no-win situation. Men are applauded for sacrificing the comfort of family and home and instead, striving to achieve greater glories on the battlefront of the working world. Women, on the other hand, are criticized for “not knowing their role in life.” Even in Taiwan, in this modern age, old maids are sneered at or, what’s much worse, pitied. No one believes a woman when she states that she didn’t get married because she wanted to be independent; malicious gossips disdainfully conclude that there must be something wrong with a woman who can’t catch a husband. Although more and more women are standing up and asserting their rights to be treated equally, the positive effects are not very obvious. Women have struggled for professional and domestic recognition in an unrelenting environment with disappointing results. The women’s movement has always had strong opposition; significant change is frightening to most because it threatens the hierarchies of society and also the very traditions handed down from generation to generation. It is almost as if women can only seek equality within a system that is entirely replaced. While this may not be possible as of yet, we can at least start to acknowledge the need for an alternative social structure, don’t you think? But do I really have the choice of being either a man or woman in my afterlife? I guess I’d like to be called Christopher… What do you think?? a
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The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
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