The Shaming of Eve
s*xual Subjugation of Women
Women have been subjugated and oppressed throughout history. We are told to deny our desires and feelings, as they are wrong or shameful. We are made to feel dirty or wrong for thinking the way we do. This "double standard" still exists.
Women were once considered chattel or property. We were the property of our father. Then, ownership was transferred to our husband at marriage. Historically, her value was placed on her virginity. If it was intact, she could get a higher bride price for her father. If she was not a virgin, her value went down and the prospective husband was not required to pay as much to the bride’s father. She was considered soiled, impure, damaged goods.
The USA was founded with a puritanical Judeo-Christian belief system. Yes, there still exists the belief of the patriarchal hierarchy, men have the power, women are second class citizens. Biblically, Eve was blamed for for the downfall of mankind and our expulsion from the Garden of Eden. But Adam ate the apple, as well. Yet, women are seen as a deceiver or temptress of man.
So, when a woman dares step out of line, by owning her sexuality and asserting her power as a human being, the reaction can be very negative. Derogatory or shaming words are meant to put a woman in her place. To shut her down and silence her.
But, when a man expresses his desires, he is seen as being a healthy human being owning his own power and sexuality.
Women are beautiful, powerful and s*xual beings. We must stand up and be proud of who we are. Enough of the double standard and staying quietly in our place.
A strong woman can be frightening or threatening to some men. If a man is strong and powerful, he is praised as a capable leader. If a woman acts the same way, she is seen as a b*tch. She may be called a lesbian, dyke or any number of derogatory words.
All the negative reactions, to a woman asserting her power, are meant to put her back in her place.
As women, we must be proud of who we are. Assert you rights as a human being. We are not inferior, less than or second class citizens. Take your place as an equal.
Comments (70)
I consider myself a feminist. I believe in equal gender rights. I believe that intellectually, males and females are equal. I am not talking about physical strength, as men have a larger skeletal frame and more musical mass than women. Physical strength does not equal superiority. If it did, than stronger men would consider themselves superior to, and better than weaker men.
Being a feminist is NOT synonymous with male-bashing, man-hating or misandry (dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against men)
Feminism, by definition, is “the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.”
That is nice that you clarified things.
Because....one could get confused as to what a feminist movement is.
Especially in your ending statement in your blog...."As women, we must be proud of who we are. Assert you rights as a HUMAN being. We are not inferior, less than or second class citizens. Take your place as an equal."
You state to assert you rights as a "human." To me, I understand that statement as addressing our physical make-up. ....not our rights as a citizen of our country.
I am glad you clarified that.
But,
I would be interested in hearing what other women think feminists should stand up for.
I know one woman mentioned something about childbirth....hmmm....wonder how that fits in with feminists.
Maybe you women should create your own feminists bible so you are all on the right page?
I don't know..
Full article link:
@Willow
You said "Take your place as an equal" I said why we will never be equal, is the Mother Nature law, not the "land law" or "human law". I can live with that, is not the end of the world because this "no 2 place on Mother Nature's list"...
After, you talk about the women rights....I agree, is sad, in many countrys this rights don't exist.
So, is a difference between "the place" and "the rights"
As always, your comments are relevant and succinct.
I am not concerned with the things that make us different from men, I am concerned with equality of gender rights.
All those thing you state, I am in support of. When it comes to our rights as individuals of a country, we should have equal rights....male or female. It sounds like a lot of the feminists need to get some laws passed in some nations.
Let me elaborate better on my confusion here a bit......
Is it only the concern of feminist to reap as many benefits as possible?
Again....actions are strong than words.
I can go on and on about things....but, I think the main concerns of my confusion were covered.
Of course I want equality for all, but so do most men I know, and I wouldn't describe them as feminists either, just fair human beings who believe in justice for all.
Men and women are not the same. They were never meant to be.
They compliment each other instead.
.....it is
Woman's nature to be attracted to the highest value she can obtain in a man.
Left unchecked....a woman will walk on any man if she has a chance to upgrade. ....which could lead to selfishness.
The problem for women...
Is when they run into a player.
They leave a man who they know they can trust....and who has provided for them.
Only to be fooled by a man who only wants to get into their pants.
The player leaves them....
the man with dignity...who she left for the player....wants nothing more to do with her...
Eventually, the woman will grow old alone.....with regrets of leaving the genuine man with dignity.
You think feminism leads to selfishness?! Is it selfish to want equal rights? Is it selfish to continue to fight for women's rights for those who have none? Is it fair to label all women who fight for feminism under the same umbrella?
My ideals and views are my own. I do not subscribe to the views of what some have labeled radical feminists. I am for gender equality and rights. Period.
Would you like all Christians to be labeled or viewed the same as radical Christians? Or do you concede that the radical or fanatical elements of a group shouldn't speak for the whole movement?
I am not here to argue with you.
I clearly stated that I do not know if this woman was correct about feminism leading into selfishness.
I would kindly advise you to more carefully read my statements.
That is all.
I am not here to argue with you either. And I have carefully read your comments. Do not let a few misguided people lead you to make decisions about a movement who only wants fair and equal treatment. I really don't understand what you are arguing against.
I am just expressing to you why I am confused about the feminist movement.
In order to elaborate on my confusion, I need to share some factual stories.
I have no conclusions about feminism....but I am confused by it.
Some of it I totally agree with while other parts of it, I think are trying to go against the grain of nature.
As to whether or not it leads to selfishness....I really do not know. From the way it looks, some of it could lead to selfishness. I just presented what I know about it to leave others make up their own minds about it.
BTW...I truly do enjoy your blogs and my responses here are not meant to be attacking.
I am just trying to better understand.
I don't care, because I live the way I like, and do what I want. I am proud to be woman, but first of all, I am a free human beeing.
Good for you! Live your life the way you see fit. Please take care and stay safe.
Any men out there want to say there is no need for the feminist movement after Bloodybrilliant's post? Step right up! Be my guest!
Fine. That's a good cause. Have at it!
we still have a long way to go.
I'm not talking about the societies that treat women on a midevil level of no education and child brides.
But in the West our rules/courtjudgements are based on family and such.
So singles in general are having a bigger struggle. (in which a lot of women have a less earning job)
But i consider children rights the priority fighting point in the Western world.
We need to treat our children better. and i'm looking at all those single mothers and abandoning fathers.
I think the best way to improve for women a lot, is to improve the situation for children.
" single mothers...abandoning fathers "
Who these fathets make more babies !!!!
I can relate to Willow.
I am proud of being a woman. I bore
a child. Who has become a beautiful
intelligent and independent young woman.
My daughter whom I will gladly give my life for.
Our creator knew what He was doing when He
created man and women!!!!!
Its mankind that twisted the issuse that woman is
inferior to man.
Yet rights we women have indeed.
And I surely expect my rights as a women.
To favour me.
Yet I feel I must point out that not all men
are chuvainists ( incorrect spelling).....
To us women.... a celebration to life.
A very touchy topic but worth bringing up...if we start with an agreed definition of feminism...then it could lessen the disagreements and or the fear regarding feminism...
Women have fought to gain equality and the right to self determination...fortunately there were men out there that agreed with that notion...why not celebrate it together?...what a great gift!!
thank you for your support. I keep myself safe and sound.
It is often that I ask myself, where did I get this sense of freedom?- When... I have been raised in christian family,had to go to church every sunday and in between,I had to do my confessionals regularly, and I was expected to be like all wirgins, kneeling in the front row during the sunday prayer. While at the same time,just across, our "future husbands", were sitting, laughing,staring at us, having fun... Thirty years after, that picture horrifies me still.
I blame mothers for this unjustice between children. They have raised sons like more worthy creatures, and daughters like their own images, eventhough, they did not like it. They are guilty for that circle.
I have daughters and son, and I'm doing my best not doing the same.
Beeing on this site, means that I believe there's someone worthy of my attention and this early hours of mine. Anyway, it makes me allready feel good.
I can not begin to tell you how much I admire your courage and strength. You are a very brave woman! You have to face oppression everyday, but you still endure and stay strong. I don't know how you do it. I believe it is your culture's values and traditions that influence mothers to raise their children the way they do. It is very sad. I am glad to hear that you are raising your children differently.
What you are doing, Willow, is inventing chains which you do not exist because you actually long to be subjugated.