One of the things that I think I appreciate so much about period pieces, particularly Jane Austen’s works (see previous entry, A time for literature) is the scope, the lens through which it looks at women and femininity. Austen’s canon portrays women as powerful and capable, despite the oppressive society in which they lived. The strength of character these (albeit fictional) women demonstrate in light of the “rules of propriety” is remarkable.
(Climbing atop my feminist pulpit.)
There are “rules of propriety” that are still in order, and it feels like an uphill battle. Even today, in the 21st century US of A, for all that our society offers, respect or dignity for women are not part of it. For me, I’m just noticing little things around my day to day life – how I’m interrupted by male colleagues around me, how their statements overtake mine, how – in meetings – it’s assumed that I’ll be happy to take notes, be the secretary.
People who barely know me talk to me about the state of my uterus; it’s assumed that I want children and I need to get started, “tick tock.”
These things are not big. They don’t leave me with a black eye or take away my right to vote. They are insidious and infuriating. So infuriating, as well as overwhelming, in fact, that when I consider what we're up against, I want to fall into a heap and cry. How "typical" is that? (rueful smile)
Yet what else can be done? How can I do nothing?
More is forthcoming, dear reader.
