Abstract This paper reviews the film "What Women Want" and in particular looks at why society imparts so many gender roles on men and women. It examines how the film is not a film about an attractive throwback to the Stone Age, but how it certainly portrays what a large group of men still believe about women, even today when there is supposed to be more "equality" between the sexes. It evaluates how Mel Gibson's over the top caricature of the hopelessly chauvinistic male at the beginning of the film is not actually as far-fetched as it might seem, which makes it all the more appalling. Today, many men still see women only as sex objects and even the most liberated man still believes he should head up the household and bring home the major portion of the bacon.
From the Paper "Society looks at men and women differently, despite the advances women have made in women's rights. Women as leaders are viewed differently than men as leaders; it is that simple. In "What Women Want," Helen Hunt is viewed with skepticism, especially by Mel Gibson, when she first takes over the leadership role in the agency. The old adage "she slept her way to the top" is often the only way men can justify a woman's rise to prominence in business or government. Men simply do not want to admit that a mere woman might be more talented or qualified than they are, and so must make up personal reasons for professional results. This is not that unusual either, and the statistics of women who serve at the head of major corporations bears this out. There are far fewer women in positions of importance in large companies than men, the percentage is somewhere in the teens, rather than the sixties or even seventies."
Abstract This paper analyzes John Updike's short story "A & P", focusing on the main character - Sammy. The writer describes the protagonist's personality traits and characteristics in detail. The writer further describes how Updike portrays Sammy as a male chauvinist. The writer points out that Sammy is not the only chauvinist. The writer concludes that all chauvinists do see the light from different points of view, but only with Sammy does it seem to stick.
From the Paper "In John Updike's A&P, a close view into the mind of a fictional teenager named Sammy is given. As any nineteen year old, Sammy a grocery store cashier in a small country New England Town, seems like any other nineteen year old, critical, immature, observant, and a prompt thinker. As a very complex character, each and every one of Sammy's qualities show his opposing personalities, that are in reality, a heavy response to his regulated surroundings. Sammy is not the only chauvinist in this story. Some may view Sammy's thorough and detailed analysis of people's appearances and actions as the usual teen sarcasm, while others may view it as sexism. Sammy's attention is captured by women, more specifically when "In walks three girls wearing nothing but bathing suits" (Updike) at the grocery store Sammy is working at on a hot summer day. Sammy feels it necessary to observe the girls with much interest and many remarks."
Tags: chauvinism, sexism, undesirable, features, status
Abstract This paper explores the idea that Ernest Hemingway may have been chauvinistic, through an examination of his novels. The author, however, argues that although Hemingway's main characters were always male and he portrayed his females as background characters, Hemingway was not a misogynist; rather, an author only capable of speaking in a male voice.
From the Paper "To give Hemingway his due he was a product of his times. No matter how critical the reader gets the fact is that Hemingway's women had more character than many others portrayed during his time. The woman may adhere to the traditional scenarios and Hemingway may have focused on the male protagonist more in comparison but truth be told that was his prerogative. It is not necessary for him to be a woman hater just because he writes a story about a man. The scholar?s, men and women alike have agreed that women have their place in the Hemingway novels. The men are not complete without the woman and just by portraying this facet Hemingway redeems himself."
Abstract This paper examines Searle's original argument against the possibility of strong Artificial Intelligence, or what he calls intrinsically intelligent AI. This argument was presented in "Minds, Brains, and Programs" which contains his original formulation of the Chinese Room example and many others. This paper explains Searle's original view (which has been slightly modified in recent years) against the possibility of strong AI. It then examines the serious shortcomings in his argument, namely his flagrant assumption that intelligence is a bio-chemical property, something that he barely mentions in his text. Holfstadter later called this view "bio-chauvinist." The writer examines what it is Searle is trying to say, where his bio-chauvinism comes into play, and what the end result is.
From the Paper "In his paper "Minds, Brains, and Programs," John R. Searle attempts to establish the impossibility of strong artificial intelligence (AI), that an "appropriately programmed computer" can have genuine mental states. The validity of strong AI implies a direct correspondence between mental states and formal processes, and as such, insists that a properly defined program is sufficient for producing understanding and intentionality in the thing instantiating that program. Searle refutes this claim, arguing that a program could not be sufficient for producing intentionality because for any program it is possible to instantiate it in something without producing mental states in the thing. In elucidating this central point, Searle derives a distinction between "intrinsic" intentionality and "derived" intentionality. He defines intrinsic intentionality as the sort present in things that clearly have mental states, such as people. Searle distinguishes this from derived intentionality, which he claims is ascribed by those with intrinsic intentionality to things that "perform the sort of functions that we perform on the basis of our intentionality," but that do not actually possess mental states or a genuine intentionality. With this distinction, Searle's claim that programs are not sufficient, or even necessary, for producing intentionality becomes a claim that mere things - namely computers for our purposes - can only have derived intentionality and never can possess intrinsic intentionality. Searle's argument, pushed by his example of the Chinese room, at first seems to raise an alarming challenge to AI proponents, but on closer examination it becomes clear that the thrust of Searle's claim relies on some highly debatable intuitions and assumptions he makes a priori. In this paper I will argue that Searle's conclusion is entirely dependent these contestable assumptions and intuitions. I will then attempt to construct what Searle's response to this objection would likely be, and I will conclude by discussing the significance of this debate with regards to AI and all of cognitive science."
Abstract In the play, Shaw set out to challenge the satisfaction of his audience and weaken some of their most deep-rooted notions. He draws public attention to the truth that prostitution is caused, not by female depravation, but simply by underpaying, undervaluing, and overworking women, in a capitalist and chauvinist society. These controversies develop through the different characters particularly, and the theme is analysed in the relation between Vivie and her mother.
From the Paper "Mrs Warren's Profession, written by Bernard Shaw in the early nineteen hundreds, deals with a series of moral issues, which are of important relevance even now. Throughout the play, Bernard Shaw, proves to be an incisive and irreverent social citric, therefore being the antithesis of the romantic dramatist which characterized Victorian society. Shaw, uses the play to put forward his ideas and criticize social and moral issues existent at the beginning of the 20th century in British society, issues which ironically are still applicable in our supposedly developed world."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of the role that La Malinche played in Mexican history and culture. The author gives the reader an historical overview, including the fact that she was an actual person, whose actions caused her to lose favor in society. This is done through the review and analysis of two pieces of works by historians, one male and one female, Casillo and Paz. The author also points out that La Malinche is not a well-known personality outside of Mexican culture, but her history dates back to the mid-sixteenth century. According to the paper, La Malinche's role in history has been revived by feminists who feel that her tainted past is the result of the chauvinistic nature of Mexican society which has begun to evolve over the years. For many Mexican women she is a symbol of independence and endurance of the Mexican people, and she should be accorded respect and proper recognition in history.
From the Paper "These many complications and elaborations of this essential and essentializing dichotomy about the true nature of woman can be seen to come together in the character of La Malinche, a figure not well known outside of Mexico (except to those whose families originally came from Mexico). This paper explores the figure of La Malinche, a figure who representations have over the years become at least in general more positive as Mexicans have regained a sense of themselves as a people worthy of self-respect ? and as Mexican women have refused to see themselves as meriting only the role of a traitor condemned to silence."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed discussion about the work of Elizabeth I and how it does not reflect the traditional view of women. The writer of this paper examines two of Elizabeth I's works; "Speech to the Troops at Tilbury" and "The Doubt of Future Foes" to illustrate the non-traditional views that they reflect.
From the Paper "During the last four decades the women's movement has worked to equalize the genders in all areas of life. Before the movement however women were not considered equal to men in most venues. Elizabeth I who resided in the 16th century, was well known for her refusal to comply with the chauvinistic attitude of her time. She was a woman who never married, and refused to allow her gender to dictate her power or goals. She was well known for her works which included poems, speeches and other words of wisdom, and even in her works she refused to give in to the gender biased that was so accepted of her time."
Abstract This paper explores what can be considered as an important sub-text within "Genesis", in what is revealed of the personality of Sarah and her spiritual development within, or perhaps in spite of, an environment that can easily be described as overwhelmingly sexist, patriarchal and occasionally chauvinist. It looks at how we can observe too some decorum, nonetheless, with regard to the treatment of women that were considered honorable, and how Sarah definitely retains her hard-earned prestige as the story of the origins of the people of Israel is brought to its conclusion.
Abstract This paper examines how Japan was notorious during the Second World War for actively encouraging the use of "comfort women" and how Koreans and others were pressed into sexual slavery by the Japanese Army. It looks at how, since the normalization of trade and diplomatic relations between Japan and other countries, many have asked why Japan has never officially apologized for these actions. It shows how Japan's failure to acknowledge its role in the agony of these women and other victims of Japanese imperial aggression lends to a generally nationalist view of Japan's role in the war, which compounds existing racist and chauvinistic attitudes that continue to characterize Japanese culture today.
From the Paper "It is estimated that there were over 200 thousand comfort women employed by the Japanese Military during World War 2. (Economist, 13 August, 1998) However, the history of Japan's experience with comfort women isn?t complete, as the government continues to insist that sexual services were provided by private industry despite thousands of accounts to the contrary. According to Lisa Go of ASA-News, Japan's use of comfort women was an attempt to curtail the mass-rape of women in occupied territories, particularly China. As Japan dramatically increased its 700,000-strong military presence in China in 1941, the rape of women in newly conquered territories served to cauterize enemy combatants against the Japanese."
Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes the way Fay Weldon portrays the men and the heroines in her novels. The paper also discusses the underlying theme in Weldon's novels that women must hold themselves accountable for their weaker status in society.
From the Paper "Feminism refers to the theory or set of principles according to which women refuse to acknowledge the importance of men in their lives. They reject the notion that men and women complement each other and that they need to walk together to keep the wheel of life running. Feminism has not only affected politics or business organizations, but has left a deep impact on the world of literature too where several women writers have adopted feminist stance. The stories written by these writers and the characters they created, all reflected a deeply feminist streak. In most of these works, a woman is assigned the lead role so she could speak for the writer. Fay Weldon is among one such British feminist writer whose novels have been considered controversial by many as they reflect conflicting forms of feminism. Weldon's novels have been widely read and most of them received rave reviews upon their publication, however there are still some critics who feel that Weldon doesn?t always portray men-women relationship in the most accurate manner. In other words, these critics are of the view that Fay Weldon is not as keen or astute an observer of male-female relationship as she would have us believe."
Abstract It has always been thought that women find less interest in technical areas and in science, and it is therefore assumed that this is the reason why we tend to find few women in top positions in such companies. This paper dispels this myth. It shows that women have better qualities than men to run IT companies and that the problem seems to be an inability to change the industry's chauvinistic mentality. The paper examines how some women managed to break the glass ceiling, despite the many obstacles.
From the Paper "One of the most important things that encourages glass ceilings is, of course, prejudice. In general, organizations have a male preponderance and, as such, they tend to have a certain prejudice about female managers. However, this prejudice does not necessarily have something to do with the training or abilities, but with a woman's managerial capabilities. As someone said, "the problem is sometimes not that an organization lacks a pool of really talented women but one of visualizing them as leaders. Sometimes people think of leaders as being in a suit" Some women tend to encourage this perception by being shy and by refusing to take charge of the matters."
Abstract The paper explains that, although the rest of the Western world was experiencing economical prosperity, the Weimar Republic was in economic shambles, humiliating the Germans, losing national consciousness and the sense of national dignity, and providing an excellent soil for the development of chauvinistic and revenge moods. The author points out that political revolution was obvious from the first days of Weimar Republic because strikes, workers movement in early 1920s, crisis, and depression served as evidence that the people were not satisfied with conditions of life, and they were ready to act. The paper relates that the NSDAP, or National Socialist German Workers Party, lead by Adolph Hitler, created favorable conditions for a radical political ideology of the right, which would defend national interests and revive the national ideal and dignity, even though this radical ideology was based on militarism, authoritarianism, anti-Semitism, and suppression of Communism.
From the Paper "It all caused great social contradictions and social unrest which turned into November revolution of 1918. Starting from revolt in army and navy, revolution spread nearly over all Germany, demanding abolishment of monarchy, establishment of democratic republic and democratic freedoms to citizens. The main role in the revolution was played by two political parties of left orientation: Social-democratic Party of Germany and Independent Social-Democratic party of Germany. These parties, even though had a wide popularity over working and some of the middle class, did not come to an agreement of cooperation and unity and that's why their organized struggle failed. Moreover, "Spartac" group of SDP left party and established new - Communist Party, which demanded establishment of proletariat dictatorship. Because none of the forces had a control over whole territory of Germany, there was established a Council of people representatives (a coalitional government), which was the only legal body of power in the state before the elections to parliament took place."
Abstract This paper discusses the role played by language in sexism. The paper examines whether language is the cause of sexism or whether sexism causes certain language. The paper contends that this might be impossible to distinguish, but assesses that language clearly plays a key role in perpetuating sexism and inequality between men and women. The paper claims that sexist language reveals the gender-bias that is pervasive in society. Sexist language takes many forms. From gender-related words used as insults or compliments to the sexualizing of previously gender-neutral words, the paper presents a myriad of examples of how the English language helps foster a chauvinistic society. The paper explores how the normalization of the male and reliance on masculine pronouns and nouns marginalizes the existence of women in society.
From the Paper "Gender-based words also play a role in maintaining sexual inequality when used in an insulting manner. For example, some of the most pejorative insults in the English language consist of calling a person a derogatory term for a vagina. Not only is the "p" word one of the ultimate insults that a person can levy towards a man, it has also become synonymous with an absolute lack of courage. Given that women use their vaginas to bring forth life, in what is almost universally recognized as an extremely painful process, the fact that a euphemism for the word "vagina" has become synonymous with the word "coward" indicates how language helps perpetuate sexual inequality."
Abstract This paper summarizes Anchee Min's autobiographical book, "Red Azalea" about her personal experiences growing up in China during the Cultural Revolution. The paper describes the main characters in the book, the relationship between these characters and Min's effective use of irony, metaphors and similes.
From the Paper "Min's work as a narrator in this book is exceptional, and full of ironies that are surprising, even shocking, and yet revealing of what it was like to live in a totalitarian regime. On page 3 Min writes, "I was an adult since the age of five." That is both ironic and sad, since a child of five should be able to enjoy life as a child, and should be engaged in activities befitting a child; but in the Cultural Revolution (CR), there was nothing to do but obey, fight, survive, and try to stay one step ahead of a big social misstep or verbal mistake which could cause severe pain and anguish. "It was like a regular meal that I got a purple cheek or a bloody nose," she wrote on page 5."
Abstract Using Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart," the paper analyzes the role of women in Igbo society. The paper maintains that while the culture is chauvinistic and undermines women's voices, it does afford women specific roles of importance.
From the Paper "In Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" we are treated to the story of the oppression and eventual destruction of the culture and society of the Igbo people from outside forces. However within the Igbo culture and society we also see that an oppressive force exists. This oppressive force is exhibited by Achebe as the patriarchal structure of Igbo society that more often than not undermines the voice of women."
