Drowning in the Truth

I was going to begin this blog by discussing the universal standards that have taken over the world. However, based on previous units I have learned that universal standards, goals, mottoes, or what have you, do not actually exist. Yet, we cannot deny the fact that stereotypes have become a huge part of our culture, as well as others. For example, it is widely known that men are physically stronger than women. Yes, there are always exceptions but in general this statement holds true. Also, on average, women are viewed as nurturing and subservient; they aren't expected to want as much or be physically or mentally capable of certain tasks. Men are supposed to want power, deal with violence, and receive glory. Women are meant to be pure, give birth, and have dinner on the table when he walks in the door. These stereotypes of weak and strong have made such impressions on societies that they are accepted, throughout history and even today. Thankfully, some have questioned their "roles" and taken steps to change the course of their lives. Edna, from The Awakening, was not content with her life as a wife and a mother. She felt that she had the potential to be more of a person, an individual, not just the object of a man's affection. As she set out to live her life and gain her perspective she realized how trapped she had been. No matter what she did to make herself happy, not even equal to a man, just content with herself in her life, she was found that she was still trapped, in a life that was not her's; what she wanted to be her's. Now, I don't know if I agree that Edna purposely committed suicide, or if her death was a complete accident, but I do know that she was exhausted and had to let go. She was tired of pretending for her husband and her children and her friends, and she was tired of, no matter who she was with, being expected to act in a certain way. Edna was completely aware of herself and her desires by the end of the book, and I think she just didn't have it in her to keep fighting against an unbending society. Women today have more freedom than Edna did, but the fight isn't over. It may never be. How many men do you see on Swiffer commercials? On Clorox ones? I hate cleaning, and I'm a girl... so why can't a guy be on one of those advertisements? If we have progressed as a society why are these stereotypes still being upheld, even in the simplest of ways? And for that matter, why am I so offended by them when I think of myself as a strong female. Maybe if I were truly strong I wouldn't feel the need to point out these flaws and condemn the world for it's lack of effort on the behalf of women everywhere. Then, maybe I am weak. But not because I am a female, because I am not comfortable with myself? Because I have been taught that I am not good enough? Because I cannot achieve the things a man can. It's a vicious cycle. Maybe the world is improving, slowly but surely. Will the glass ceiling ever be completely gone, no, probably not. Will more women give up and drown in the ocean because of this, hopefully not. I hope we keep fighting for a balance, because I don't think equality can ever be reached between men and women. The sad truth is that history repeats itself, and while we do not live in caves and gather our food, our own lives may not be as far off as we'd like to think. I am depressing myself with this cynical outlook on the future of the world, and it will not stop me from demanding every ounce of respect and credit that I believe to be mine. I truly hope that I am wrong about this.