A 1960's View Of Womanhood
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- Their Eyes Were Watching God - woman past and present can relate to. This chapter is about the universality of the fears of...
Submitted by freefortermpapers on 06/24/2008 03:00 PM
- Category: Religion
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A 1960's View Of Womanhood
Whenever a person is born in to this world, they begin to carry a large burden that is placed upon them by society. This burden stems from the expectations that society places on an individual based upon gender, race, ethnic origins, and handicaps. In the poem "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy, gender is the source of these stereotypes for one such child. This particular child is born and then presented with gifts fitting for a little girl. As she ages she develops in to a strong and intelligent young woman however, a peer remarks on her "great big nose and fat legs" (6). Throughout her life, she attempts to apologize for her shortcomings and brings herself a point of desperation that results in her death. Through the life and death of this young girl, Piercy shows the effects that a demanding society has on women. It is important to note that this poem was written during a tremendous movement for women's rights. During this time period, women, who were unwilling to simply submit and conform to the accepted standards, fiercely challenged the definition of a woman and her place in society.
Society begins this push for compliance, which Piercy suggests, in all women at a very early age. She is presented with "dolls that did pee-pee" (2) to enforce the notion that one role for a woman is for her to be a mother. Another such label for women is that of a homemaker. This is suggested when the child is given "miniature GE stoves and irons" (3). An additional expectation for women is that they be beautiful. Rather than focusing on the heart or character, superficial beauty is made important to the young girl when she is given "wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy" (4) to hide any physical flaws that may exist.
For a woman to possess any qualities that are acceptable for a man to have is a negative for her. To be "healthy" (7) and having "strong arms and back" (8) is not mandatory for a person who's role does not require top physical...
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