Navigating Men’s World
As a result of Dr. Garcia's talk “Experiencing Men's World” I decided to reflect on the presented question: “What is a Woman?” This is a much more complex question than it appears to be. How is our definition of what a woman is impacted by what we have been taught about our role in society? Are we even able to define ourselves without the comparison of what it means to be a man?
Our whole lives we are taught to look forward to the day when we can take our partner's last name. When we can become an accessory to a man and show the world that we are indeed desirable. Desirable. What does this mean? We are taught growing up that we want to present ourselves in a way that men will desire us, that we will be wanted. However, while also constantly living under the threat of men who cannot control this “desire”. We as women are taught that “boys will be boys”. Their actions are human nature and we as women must change to accommodate this fact. This is one example of how women are viewed by society as exceptions to the norm, as accessories to a man’s life.
Little girls are being sent home from school due to their clothes being distracting to the boys who are trying to learn. Women in the workplace are expected to be put together but not look too nice in case your boss may be unable to help his advances. We are supposed to be flattered by the male gaze and learn to graciously accept and deflect this attention in order to remain acceptable to society. Girls are taught from a young age how to handle boys rather than boys being taught how to act. This is because boys are basic humans. They are seen as the default, the norm, and the rest of us must do what we can to fit into this world.
This affects everything about how a woman thinks and acts, the men’s world dictates everything even down to women’s healthcare. You must be pretty but not too pretty, smart but not too smart, and friendly but not too friendly. A woman who is outspoken and tries to be a leader is seen as pushy or bossy. They are supposed to have ideas but allow a man to come up with a better one. These are the things ingrained into a woman’s brain in order to properly carry herself and once again be desirable.
There are certain characteristics within feminism that deem someone a “strong woman”. But isn’t everyone born a woman, strong? Yes, it takes certain bravery and strength to defy the gender hierarchy but a woman must be strong to even survive in this world suited for men. I wonder if this will ever change.
Will a woman forever be praised for her accomplishments just because they didn’t think a woman could do it? Will there be a day when women are allowed to have a say over their own bodies? I hope one day to be more than just a man’s plus one. I hope my future daughters won’t have to adapt to fit around the man's ego. I hope they won’t have to Experience Men’s World.
You can watch the video of Professor Garcia’s lecture here.
About the Author:
Meredith is a senior at the University of Maryland majoring in Marketing and Management. After college, she hopes to travel the world and learn more about different countries and cultures. Meredith wants to combine her interest in business with her passion for helping others.