Images of Women
Historically women were depicted in the American society as
individuals who were docile, bound solely for the purpose of taking care of the
home, and raising children. They washed
dishes, clothes, clean house, raise the kids, and did chores as their
responsibilities. The mass media latched
on to these roles and elaborated on them, portraying women as having happy
family lives. But Ed Koch (1924–2013), a lawyer and
politician thought differently when he said, “Stereotypes lose their power when
the world is found to be more complex than the stereotype would suggest and we
learn that individuals do not fit the group stereotype, then it begins to fall
apart.” For years as women were saddled
with domestic responsibilities, still they showed they had diverse talents.
With stereotypes males grew up believing females were to be seen
as sexual objects. Even today in popular
media there continues to be much focus on feminine beauty, and their sex
appeal. Presently, it’s more than being
blonde and blue-eyed. Beautiful women are
seen in every ethnic group, and shades of complexion. Kat Graham (b. 1989), Swiss-born American
actress, model, singer and dancer wrote, “There was a time when men thought it
was sexy to have a house wife waiting for him to come home from work in her
slippers, but in modern society, I think an independent woman is even more
sexy.” Today’s women are more
independent because for the most part they have broken through the glass
ceiling of this world that held them back in society. Presently American society still lacks
meritorious promotions, and equal pay for equal work.
Faith-Filled Women
Faith-filled women are a special breed. Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, and Queen
of the Universe, is an ideal role model for Christian women. She witnessed the crucifixion of her Son -
Our Lord Jesus Christ. Eleanor Roosevelt
(1884–1962), a
politician, diplomat, and the longest serving First Lady of the United States
said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you
put her in hot water.” This was very
much like Mary. Christian women continue
to emulate her purity and devotion.
Regardless of how intelligent and spirit-filled women are
some men still view them as beings to manipulate. Some films and TV programs depict women as
flaky and unstable. Some news clips
portray female reporters as being emotional when reporting tragic stories, and
a few male journalists have criticized them for becoming too personally
involved, rather than being detached, and objective.
Women’s Role
Why must women be stuck in a world that’s mainly shaped by
men? Anaїs Nin (1903–1977), an author born to
Cuban parents in France, but living in the United States wrote, “How wrong it
is for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants, rather than
create it herself.” For Nin, a woman
must shoulder her responsibilities, and not just rely solely on men. Women have done so in their religious lives in personalities like St. Joan of Arc, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Thérèse
of Lisieux, who are faithful Christians to emulate.
In the secular world there are also prominent women in the
military, sports, arts, politics, medicine, engineering, science, technology,
and executives.
These outstanding women are visionaries, wonderful mothers, proven
creators, and renowned image builders.
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