Abstract This paper examines three essays on different aspects of medieval Japanese culture that use legends to subjugatewomen - the blood pool hell to which all women are damned by virtue of their biology, the Five Obstructions which are the five states of enlightenment which women cannot achieve after death because of the inferiority of their gender, and the use of images of women being transformed into snakes and dragons to tell stories about women's threats to men.
From the Paper "This paper considers the positive and negative effects of Buddhism for women in the medieval and early Edo periods through the introduction oft he apocryphal text known as the Blood Pool Hell Sutra. The rise of popularity of the sutra was connected to ..."
This paper argues that women who are practicing Muslims need to become interested in civil rights because they are in the best position to effect change in Muslim society.
Abstract This paper begins with a look at the oppressive treatment of women in Mulsim societies and how this oppressive treatment took root. The paper then points out how Muslim women who recognize the civil rights abuses under many current Islamist regimes, remove themselves from Muslim society, which makes them unable to affect other Muslims. Consequently, these women cannot necessarily effect a change within Muslim society. The paper argues that women who are practicing Muslims are precisely the people who need to become interested in civil rights. In fact, women in Islam need to work for human rights, before there are no Muslim women left who believe in human rights. The paper concludes that by refusing to stand up to the unjust deprivation of their basic human freedoms, Muslim women are allowing people to corrupt their religion. Therefore, the preservation of Islam is the strongest argument for Muslim women working for Human Rights.
From the Paper "First, it is important to note that, in its purest form, Islam may be the least-sexist of the world's major religions. Even the hijab, which is seen by many Westerners as a sign of anti-female oppression, was not initially intended as a means of suppressing women. On the contrary, the hijab was seen as a temporary solution to an increase in anti-female violence, meant as a stop-gap measure until men gained the appropriate self-control. However, cultural norms interfered. Like all cultures, Muslim culture sprang from a background of sexism. Purist ideals that were meant to elevate women to the status of equal were twisted and perverted to be used as a means of suppressing women. In fact, women faced a serious problem; because the subjugation of women was so intertwined into daily practice and absorbed into the religion, to question the role of women in Muslim society was oftentimes seen as questioning the existence of Allah. Therefore, many women suffered silently, internalizing Islam's negative teachings about women."
Abstract The writer of this in-depth paper explores how from the beginning of time male-oriented philosophy and theology proved women to be in the wrong. This paper ponders author Simone de Beauvior's view of women in the book "The Second Sex." This paper also focuses on the African-American woman whose role has been made twice as difficult because of her racial identity as well as other female ethnic groups. This paper delves into Carl Jung's theories of women as well as Aristotle who subjugatedwomen philosophically, politically, economically and as a gender.
From the Paper "For the African American Woman the role of woman was made twice as difficult because of her racial identity. Before the Civil War, black women were not only subjugated because they were women, but also because they were chattel (life-long) slaves. To their white male owners they were both mammy and a source of sexual release not permitted with their frail white wives. Once the African slaves were emancipated, the black male was given suffrage but his female counterpart was still subject to him and other men."
Tags:women, history, african, american, ethnic, rights, evolution, aristotle, carl, jung, simone, de, beauvior, hillary, clinton
Abstract The paper examines "Women of Algiers in Their Apartments", a collection of short stories which illustrates how the women in Algerian society are imprisoned by custom and search for their freedom. The paper identifies the fundamental theme of this book, that these Muslim women are still cultural prisoners. The paper discusses how Djebar uses the painting of Delacroix entitled "The Forbidden Gaze, Severed Sound" to symbolize the mentality and the state of mind of the women in coping with their plight. The paper also looks at how the story illustrates the meaning of the harem society in Algeria.
From the Paper "The book is a collection of three long stories, three short ones, and a theoretical essay depicting the plight of urban Algerian women who have thrown off the shackles through the liberation of Algeria. However women find that ear of post-Colonial regime is no improvement, and Algerian society perpetuates the religious customs and imposes them even further to deny and subjugate the women. It is only the men who are liberated by the Revolution. The stories are political criticisms of Algeria, but they are highly stylized and lyrical. Their value is in the quality of the prose, not the message they deliver. However, within the excellent writing, a powerful message is delivered. It is about the cloistering of women in society, and they way women cope with the reticence that they naturally feel for a liberation which has forgotten them and passed them by completely. There is a quantifiable and demonstrated link between the language of the women and oppression, and it arises in direct reaction to oppression as perhaps the central theme of the book."
Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes the plots and characters of several well-known novels, which have to do with the Victorian era and the limitations placed on women living in that era. Works such as "The Awakening", "The Case of Daniel Deronda", and "Jane Eyre" are discussed and analyzed in terms of what they say about women's independence, rights, and individuality.
From the Paper "In The Awakening, according to Elizabeth Elz, Kate Chopin uses symbolism to communicate her ideas about the status of women at the turn of the century. Birds, for example, are utilized to convey women's entrapment in marriage and society (14). Wives such as Edna Pontellier are encaged like birds, and when trying to escape their confines they confront difficult obstructions."
Abstract The paper examines the role of the protagonists in Kate Chopin's "The Awakening", Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter", Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-Paper" and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's "Frankenstein". The paper shows how each author writes of the realities of women's lives in the 19th century, which, for the most part, were unfulfilled and controlled by the men around them. The paper highlights how the status of women evolved throughout the 19th century.
From the Paper "Edna Pontellier is a new type of heroine in 19th century fiction. She is truly "awakening" and realizing there is more to life than the roles assigned to women of the time. Chopin writes, "In short, Mrs. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being, and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her" (Chopin 16). She illustrates how women all over the country were looking at life differently, and how they had evolved during the 19th century, from little more than domestic servants to educated women who were seeking meaning and fulfillment to their lives, even if it meant leaving the home to find them."
Tags:subjugation, freedom, independence, males, society
Abstract This paper describes some of the women who participated in the American Revolution - their lives, their stories and their motives. It examines how these significant women were examples of an undercurrent already present in the American society and how, due to the necessity of war, these women were able to be given the chance to make an impact on the society.
I. Introduction ? Social Status of Women in the Revolution
II. Molly Pitcher ? the real story
A. Evidence supporting her existence
B. Evidence denying her existence
C. An American Icon
D. Other Women who took up Arms
III. Women as Spies
A. Ann Bates
B. Miss Jenny
IV. Life as a Camp Follower
A. Women in Supporting Roles
B. The winds of Equality
C. Abigail Adams
D. Patriotism
V. Men's views on Women in the Revolution
A. Women as a Symbol of the Comforts of Home
From the Paper "Women in the American Revolution played a deciding factor in the success of the colonists in winning their freedom from the Tyranny of England. Traditional roles of men and women had been heavily influenced by the teachings of Christianity in which men were above women and God was above men. The interpretation of this idea was taken rather literally during this time period and many men regarded women as lower beings. During the Revolutionary war women were not considered fit for battle and this was strictly a man's realm. Women were responsible for cooking, mending, sewing, soap making, and other forms of domestic tasks. The onset of the war forced some of these ideas to be loosened due to necessity. The war played a major role in re-defining women's roles in the late 18th century. These ideas began a long series of reforms, which later led to the suffrage movement."
Tags:women, war, america, american, revolution, britain, colonist, equality, feminism
This paper reviews and discusses the historic oppression of black women as well as the existing gap between white and black women as detailed in Bell Hooks' "Ain't I A Woman? Black Women and Feminism."
Abstract This paper explores author Bell Hooks' theoretical perspective on blacks and feminism. Hooks claims that the major cause of oppression to black women came from many sources including white women interested in their own personal gain at the expense of black women and the black men interested in keeping them as second class citizens. This paper discusses the exploitation of women during the slave trade as one of the pioneering ways in the continuing devaluation of black women. The writer contends that Hooks' novel contains relevant research and subsequent evidence that clearly details why a gap still exists between black and white women. The writer of this paper stresses Hooks' desire for all women to bond together and for the struggle for equality to end.
From the Paper "In her research of the exploitation of slaves, Hooks' expertly does not focus on the sexual atrocities committed upon black women. She in fact details the effect brutalizing black women has on the black man, white man, and the white woman. Hooks explores the possibilities of the potential personal gain from dehumanizing black women, some of which include stereotypes/jealousy of the sexuality of a black woman, and "demasculating" the black man (psychological removal of his masculinity) in relation to exploiting 'his' woman. Bell Hooks' research into the hypocrisy of the feminist movement as it relates to white woman is the principal reason why many African American women, myself included, do not want any active participation with the women's movement."
Tags: racism, slavery, women, gender, equality, literature, review, rights
Abstract This paper, which favorably describes the current Islamic regime in Iran, explores the roles of women in both the religious and work worlds. The author begins by describing the role of women according to the teachings of the Koran. The paper further examines the role of women in Iranian society both before and after the Islamic Revolution. The author concludes by stating Iranian women are progressively getting higher educations and achieving more status in the work place. Ultimately, the author believes women will achieve an influential position in Islamic Iranian society.
Outline:
Introduction and Cultural Background
The Iranian Revolution and the Situation of Women Women and Employment
Figure 1. Women aged 10 and Above, Employed in Cities and Villages
Figure 2. Literacy Rate of Females Aged 6 and Above (in percentage)
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is a general perception in the West that the ethical treatment of women in Islamic countries amounts to gender discrimination, oppression and a transgression of basic human rights. This view does not conform to the foundational Islamic teaching. This can be seen from the very outset in the way that the Koran describes the creation of women. In the Holy Scriptures there is no implicit difference made in terms of status or intrinsic value between male and female. In ethical terms, while there are obvious differences between men and women, these gender differences do not impact or affect ethical values and treatment of women. Men and women are seen to be essentially the same in terms of relative value and status. "Despite the distinctions between the treatment of men and the treatment of women when the Qur'an discusses creation of humankind ...there is no essential difference in the value attributed to women and men. There are no indications, therefore, that women have more or fewer limitations than men." (Wadud 15) "
Abstract This paper is about representations of women and celebrities in the media and their effects on average American women. Some of the topics discussed in this paper are the media's portrayal of actresses and celebrities and their affects on teenagers and women, the differences and changes in images of celebrities through the past few decades, the "Culture of slimming" , the objectification and subjectification of women, the psychological, social, physical, and mental effects on the average women, and the power of the entertainment industry.
From the Paper "Over the past few decades, the so-called "norm" for a female figure has drastically changed from voluptuous and curvy to waif-like thin. Many female celebrities have been known for their figures. Historically, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield were two women who each wore a size 12 and were glorified by men all around the world. Today, celebrities from the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Calista Flockhart are admired for their abilities to become and stay so thin, almost appearing sick. As celebrities come and go, women compare themselves to whoever is "popular" at the time."
Abstract This paper reviews the book "In the Company of Women: Voices from the Women's Movement," and its discussion of women's feelings, beliefs, and convictions toward feminism. Included in this paper is a discussion of Gloria Steinam's foreword to the book, the women profiled in the book, and the author's purpose for writing the book.
From the Paper "This section of the book looks at some of the most powerful women in the women's movement, and shows what they have done with that power. It also shows how these women have banded together and tried to make things different in the professional world, where women were not any more welcome than they were in the blue-collar world. Ellen Dresselhuis, a lawyer, sums up this section perfectly when she says; "It makes a tremendous difference now to have women on the bench. It means that when we go into the courtroom, when my partners and I go into the courtroom, we're not in a foreign world" (Watkins and Rothchild 1996, 273)."
Tags: feminism, women's, movement, feminist, ideal, movement, of, individual, women
This literature essay compares two stories written by Caribbean women authors, and discusses these in relation to women's oral histories and traditions in Caribbean cultural contexts
2,650 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 8 sources, 2002, $ 97.95
Abstract This literature essay compares two stories written by Caribbean women authors, and discusses these in relation to women's oral histories and traditions in Caribbean cultural contexts. Referring to the post-colonial and feminist theory, the author of this paper analyzes women's writing as a reflection of traditions with story-telling, women's "voice," and histories that are particular to women and Caribbean culture.
Abstract This paper details the monumental strides achieved by women in the armed forces both in the U.S. and in other countries such as, France, Britain and Canada. While women served in the military during WWII, they were rendered the sort of duties that relieved men to do the actual fighting. This paper examines the statistics supplied by the Pentagon that prove that it wasn't until the Gulf War, that women were actually part of front-line fighting units. The writer of this paper ponders the argument whether women should continue to be allowed to serve in the same positions as men as well as the issue of sexual harassment in the military. This paper delves into the matter of whether or not men and women react differently to confrontations. The writer of this paper also discusses the issue of pregnancy and women on the front-line in combat and attempts to answer the question: Should new mothers be allowed to accept duties that entail a certain amount of danger?
From the Paper "But it was not until the Gulf War, according to reliable statistics kept by the Pentagon, that women actually were part of front-line fighting units. The argument continues, however, whether this should become a regular Standing order. Women in the service joined, so they say, not just to sit at a desk, but to be alongside fighting men in case of military action. This, the women say, is only fair if they want to be recognized as men's equals. There is a web page on the Internet which closely examines the viewpoints of men and women, many either veterans or currently on active duty. Here one can find the opinions that are far more interesting and logical (on both sides) than anything that can be read in the media."
Tags:women, rights, military, war, france, canada, sexual, harassment, gulf, war
This paper reviews and analyzes the empowerment of women through forms of psychological and metaphorical dissociation, as depicted in Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "Yellow Wallpaper."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines how through the various portrayals of women, literary works succeeded in depicting the oppression, discrimination and submissiveness of women in society. This paper discusses the manner in which literature has resolved certain issues of oppression in women, while also illustrating the manner in which male characters, in numerous works of writing, have come to accept the rights and privileges of women. The writer explains how the process of alienation from society and the inner self, in women, is evident in both the writings of Gilman and Ibsen. In both works, the female protagonists are shown to experience various forms of alienation. This paper delves into how the women, in both novels, managed to emancipate themselves from the oppression and discrimination that they experienced, in their own surroundings. The writer of this paper contends that both Gilman and Ibsen's writings reflect similar themes of dissociation of one's self. Gilman's female narrator resorted to insanity, a form of psychological dissociation, in order to escape the prison-like conditions of her marriage, while Nora, in Ibsen's novel, separated herself from her husband, a metaphorical dissociation, in order to gain her freedom.
From the Paper "Finding no recourse or way to express her true feelings and thoughts, the Narrator began reflecting on her oppression through the yellow wallpaper patterns on the walls of her room: "The front pattern does move-and no wonder! The woman behind shakes it! Sometimes I think there are a great many women behind, and sometimes only one, and she crawls around fast...and in the very shady spots she just takes hold of the bars and shakes them hard." This passage can be interpreted in two ways: seeing the woman within the wallpaper patterns may signify her dissociation from herself psychologically by succumbing to insanity. However, this process may also be construed as her way of breaking out of the prison that is her marriage, the oppression she felt being dominated by John and the limits that marriage had put on her as a woman."
Abstract The paper analyzes the differences in the role and status of women within Christianity in the United States and Hinduism in India. It looks at the history of women in religion and notes how the role of the women has evolved in the United States. There are now women ministers and deacons within the Christian Church in the United States. However, women within the Hindu religion in India are still submissive with few rights. The paper looks at the history behind the changing role of the woman within Christianity in the United States and concludes that Hindu women in India must follow this example and fight for their rights.
From the Paper "What would religion be like without women? Are women important in religion? Women throughout history have played different roles in different religion, but most of the time women were submissive to men. Women would never dream of becoming a minister or involved in the leadership of the religion regardless which religion it was. Today, women play more roles in leadership than ever before. Christianity in the United States and their role of women is different than Hinduism in India and their role of women. Christianity in the United States allows women to become leaders in the church such as a minister or a deacon, while Hinduism in India's role of women are required to be submissive with few rights. As women of the Christian faith have fought for rights in America to become ministers, deacons, and other leadership roles, women of the Hindu faith must receive more rights and stop being submissive to men."
