I took a gender course in university. I remember my lecturer telling us that women are as much to be blamed as men for the systematic oppression of women. I found it hard to believe at first. But if you think about it and observe the society we live in, there is truth in this.
At home, girls are expected to help with household chores, on top of finishing their school homework and getting good grades. Boys are not burdened with household chores. All they had to do was concentrate on their studies, play, eat, do whatever they wanted.
And then there is the silly colour division, pink for girls, blue for boys. What is that about? Toy soldiers for boys, dolls for girls. Subtle and yet it shapes the thinking of these young boys and girls who unwittingly learn their places in society, and carry these subtle inferences with them to their adult life. More often than not, mothers are to be blamed for this state of affairs. Sure, they may be doing it subconsciously, but it is real.
I remember when I left home for university, my mother told me to always behave myself and look after my father’s good name. Translation : do not be a slut. My brothers were never told the same thing. Translation : no matter what you do, you will never do wrong in my eyes.
As if all of this is not enough, we are now expected to be obedient wives. Instead of empowering women, instead of breaking the cycle of oppression, the independence, dignity and individuality of women are suppressed further on a national level. By women themselves!
I treat my dogs with more respect than these women are treating themselves.
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