Difference between revisions of "328 2010--Week 11 Questions/Comments"
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=="The Problem That Has No Name," Betty Friedan, 1963== | =="The Problem That Has No Name," Betty Friedan, 1963== | ||
| − | I think, more than anything, what got to these women was the isolation involved in being the perfect domestic housewife. This was an age of single family homes, of cars instead of public transportation, of cleaning quietly in the kitchen rather than enjoying a laugh with the other women over lunch at the defense plant like the women interviewed in the video we watched. These women's lives revolved around a home that for a significant portion of the day she shared with perhaps a mildly communicative infant or no one at all if her children were old enough to be in school. Sure she went out to do the shopping and interacted with people through that, but she always ultimately returned to her empty house that constantly reminded her of further chores she needed to accomplish. And no matter how many friends women did have, they'd still feel isolated in that they couldn't share with their friends what was truly on their minds, thinking themselves all alone in their feelings of desperation and boredom. It's telling that just a simple acknowledgment that friends shared similar thoughts could cause women to break down and cry "just to know they are not alone." -Mary Ann | + | '''I think, more than anything, what got to these women was the isolation involved in being the perfect domestic housewife.''' This was an age of single family homes, of cars instead of public transportation, of cleaning quietly in the kitchen rather than enjoying a laugh with the other women over lunch at the defense plant like the women interviewed in the video we watched. These women's lives revolved around a home that for a significant portion of the day she shared with perhaps a mildly communicative infant or no one at all if her children were old enough to be in school. Sure she went out to do the shopping and interacted with people through that, but she always ultimately returned to her empty house that constantly reminded her of further chores she needed to accomplish. And no matter how many friends women did have, they'd still feel isolated in that they couldn't share with their friends what was truly on their minds, thinking themselves all alone in their feelings of desperation and boredom. It's telling that just a simple acknowledgment that friends shared similar thoughts could cause women to break down and cry "just to know they are not alone." -Mary Ann |
| − | I think that Mary Ann raised an important point about Betty Freidan’s excerpt, to know that you were not alone in how you felt about your duties as a wife, mother, and the home. Women were facing societal implications that if you felt that you wanted more or even a career that this meant that you could not be worthy or could not fulfill those duties. | + | I think that Mary Ann raised an important point about Betty Freidan’s excerpt, to know that you were not alone in how you felt about your duties as a wife, mother, and the home. '''Women were facing societal implications that if you felt that you wanted more or even a career that this meant that you could not be worthy or could not fulfill those duties. ''' If you step outside of those roles of the home, does that make you less able to maintain them? In the 1950’s, you were looked down upon if you did, did it make you less of a mother and wife? '''It became a moral dilemma.''' Women had to maintain that ideal picture, they felt the pressure that limited options for self fulfillment for women in those roles. '''I play the scene in my mind, the husband saying, “Oh dear, why are you not happy, you have more than any woman could ever want?” (no pressure here.)''' Freidan found in talking with other women that she was not alone in her thoughts. -MHimes |
Women at this time were dealing with such an immense problem. Prior to WWII, they had obtained universal suffrage, and then more independence through the work place while their husbands were in combat. Suddenly, when their husbands returned their extensive independence disappeared as well. Many would would have been scrutinized by their husbands or their peers for complaining about the lifestyle changes they encountered. It is not surprising to see them internalize many of their doubts and fears regarding their complacency or position in society. Over time, it is evident that the problem that women encountered disappeared, and women began to obtain more control of their own lives and leverage in society. Friedan was a pioneer in exploring communication and bonds between women.--MDvorak | Women at this time were dealing with such an immense problem. Prior to WWII, they had obtained universal suffrage, and then more independence through the work place while their husbands were in combat. Suddenly, when their husbands returned their extensive independence disappeared as well. Many would would have been scrutinized by their husbands or their peers for complaining about the lifestyle changes they encountered. It is not surprising to see them internalize many of their doubts and fears regarding their complacency or position in society. Over time, it is evident that the problem that women encountered disappeared, and women began to obtain more control of their own lives and leverage in society. Friedan was a pioneer in exploring communication and bonds between women.--MDvorak | ||
