| May 26, 2006 Rank and File by Nova Stubbs, insurgent49 Think
Of England
During the Victorian era, these words of advice were given to new
brides regarding their “wifely duties”: just lie on your back ... and think of
England.Today, this type of advice is generally used to give a lady a laugh. In many Western countries, women who wed aren’t usually virgins, and are actually allowed to enjoy a roll in the hay. Yet the double standard is still very real. Women who enjoy one-night stands can be viewed as “whores,” while men get to gloat to their buddies, and are socially honored for their prowess. In some countries, it is only socially acceptable to marry a virgin bride, but the groom is able to have many notches in his bedpost by the time of marriage. Despite the progressive changes within the last century, women still have tremendous social hurdles to overcome, and those who think differently are not only wrong, but have assumed the label of a modern sexist. Those who believe that equality does exist, and that notions of feminism in the Western world should be dead, fall into this category. It is important to note that modern sexism is widespread not only among men but women as well. I must admit that, five years ago, I would have fit under this label. At one time, I believed that women, overall, were able to reap the same benefits as men. This changed based on my education, and now, even when people use words like “mankind”, I can’t help but notice. Many progressive male and female friends who I love and respect get caught on the slippery slope of being deemed a modern sexist. No, they don’t think a women’s place is in the kitchen, but some still expect for the man to be the breadwinner and the woman to play her socialized gender role. A Marxist feminist preaches equality in all forms, but primarily economically and socially. The woman’s “76 cents to every man’s dollar” continues to be problematic. Women are still filtered into “pink collar” jobs, which often pay little, but are essential: teachers, nurses, housekeepers, etc… Most progressives view this stratification as the “real” problem. Yet, it is the social issues behind them that essentially sculpt these economic inequalities. Social consequences can often be viewed from both the micro level as well as the macro level. On the macro level, women are often discriminated against in the job market as they hit the “glass ceiling,” which means that women can only ascend so much within the workplace, especially women of child bearing age. For instance, a promotion might go to the less qualified 32 year-old John Jones over 32 year-old Sally Smith because she had recently married; and we all know what that means ... babies. Furthermore, women in power are often viewed as bitches, and men as strong leaders. The American dream of prosperity in return for hard work and diligence might simply be a defective characteristic of “mankind.” The micro level is subtler and less apparent. A man by the name of Juan, who I met within the last year, had undergone a complete sex change form being a woman to a man (a job well done ... I couldn’t tell). Juan had seen both sides of the gender coin in regard to social status. He noted, “I definitely saw a change in attitudes ... all and all, I was treated with more respect once I became a man.” He was living proof that a strange social inequality does permeate our society. As a woman, I too have often felt this disrespect. Almost every woman I’ve known has felt this in one way or another. Well people, I say ... fuck England. Being a woman may not be as difficult as it once was, but we must continue to wake up and avoid this social modern sexism; it is time for “humankind” to move on. Nova Stubbs is a freelance writer and activist, and is co-founder of Insurgent49. Nova resides in an undisclosed location in downtown Anchorage and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com. |
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The Protest Of Petty Power Kings and Pawns Outside My Anchorage Window Prevoland Stop Requested |
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2005
Insurgent Media. All Rights
Reserved. in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which revolts against the policies of its leadership. |
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