Understanding the Oppression of Women Research Paper

Understanding the Oppression of Women - Research Paper Example Understanding the Oppression of Women The situation of women in American society has progressed multi folds and is an ongoing process.Oppression of women is a topic that is talked about with passion by feminists but when we look at the history of oppression to women, we realize that it is quite a recent event. The woman was actually held in very high esteem as the mother of the clan and one who is responsible for building the clan. It is interesting to note that because of this quality, women were valued and considered too valuable to part with. Men leave their birth clans and get adopted by the clan of the women they choose to be with. This is quite complete contrast to modern society where it is the woman who leaves her family and takes on the man’s name. It is therefore arguable that the inequality came with the development of civilization, the growth of society, economic development and the onset of class distinctions in society. The superiority of man over woman came about around the fifteenth century as marr iage laws set in English society. The concept of one woman for one man resulted eventually in women becoming enslaved and segregated according to their childbearing abilities. The freedom to choose and father children out of wedlock was a prestige that was only given to the upper class. There was also a very distinct trend with regards to labour emerging from competition and extreme growth and demand for the economy. Until them women and men had enjoyed equal division of labour, apart from household chores, as the main source of income was agriculture. Their work places were not too far away or separated from their homes so women could take care of their children and household duties while contributing in the fields. However as the demand for industrial labour grew, women were relegated to low paying mundane tasks. Early in the century, the vast class segregation also brought in a different trend. Men were beginning to be seen as the breadwinners of the family and the one to support the household. The woman was regarded as valuable in her role in the house and her worth was based on the labour she could put in or the riches she brought with her as in the case of the richer class. This tradition continued till the nineteenth century. Women became housewives predominantly. This continuing trend of inequality between men and women in the work force took menacing proportions and women began to be oppressed more and more and lost their rightful place in society. Ancient Asian and African traditions still continue with patriarchal society trends and treat women as slaves and oppress them in marriage and in their own family. We hear about cases of sexual and emotional abuse by men to prove their dominion. Oppression to Women in the United States of America The United States of America, although considered a forward thinking western society has a history of oppression to women that still continues in its own subtle way. When we talk about this topic from Americaâ€⠄¢s perspective however we have to consider the history as seen in the various ethnic groups in the US. We will consider the two main ethnic groups and look at oppression based on them. We classify it as 1. Oppression of African American women 2. Oppression of white women Oppression of African American women The slave trade came to America in the early 1800s and brought many Africans along with it. They were treated as sex-slaves and bore many children out of wedlock to their white masters. They had little no place in society and continued subjugated lives. African women were employed to work in the fields and also as domestic help, which included taking care of the children of their white maste

Japanese literiture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Japanese literiture - Essay Example Death and decay or perishability is a theme that has been extensively dealt with in Western as well as Japanese literature. However in Western Literature the concept of death is always related to an ending and has negative connotations. Moreover the Western world is always desiring for permanence rather than accepting and letting nature work on its principles as it is also apparent from the example Keene quotes, â€Å"in west permanence rather than perishability has been desired and this has led men to build monuments of deathless marble the realization that even such monuments crumble is a proof of inexorability of the ravages of time† (18). While on the other hand for Japanese death or decay does not connote negativity or an end in fact they perceive it as a beginning of something new. Moreover unlike the west who craves permanence they accept this bitter reality of human existence. In Japanese literature this principle of perishability is also perceived as the â€Å"Tyrann y of time† (Varley, 47) because Japanese realize that time always takes its toll and it is a natural mechanism according to which everything meets its end or deteriorates eventually with time. Although it is a major theme that is incorporated in many Japanese literary pieces yet this concept is also practically utilized and applied in their culture and life style. The practical implication of this phenomenon in Japanese culture is evident from the example stated in the text, â€Å"Few things for common use are made in Japan with the view of durability. The straw sandals worn out and replaced at each stage of the journey; the robe consisting of a few simple widths loosely stitched together for wearing and unstitched again for washing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (18). This principle of perishability of Japanese aesthetics helps an observer to find beauty even in ugliness or deformity. As it is also mentioned by Keene, â€Å"†¦flaws are sometimes as attractive as intrinsic beauty† (19). This further reiterates another reality of human existence i.e. it is impossible to attain perfection. Although this cliche is accepted by the Japanese the western world prefers to ignore it or they are unable to comprehend this simple yet complex reality of life. Unlike the western world that condemns impermanence and despises the role of fate in human life Japanese admire this unpredictability because they interpret it as an adventure and they consider it as a break through from the monotony and dullness. The extensive plantation of cherry blossoms in Japan instead of any other plants and trees also support this concept because Japanese prefer novelty in life. Rather than opting for plants that bloom round the year or have longer period of blooming they like the three days glory of the cherry blossoms and such an approach towards life develops a feeling of contentment in them. Such a simplistic approach towards life helps them in enjoying and relishing life moment by moment rather than wasting it like the western world in the marathon or quest for attaining more and desiring for the unattainable. Another interesting fact that Keene explores is that although the Japanese are competing and attaining success in the technological and nuclear age of the twenty first century yet their success in the modern world has not corrupted them and hence they still retain their connection with their