User talk:Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov

An Analysis of Marge Piercy's Barbie Doll

“All women are misfits. We do not fit into this world without amputations.”

It is undeniable that women in the society of the 1900s were seen to hold very little or no significance beyond that of the home and the bearing of children. The truth is, during this period, the world that existed was predominantly patriarchal and men revelled in their own self importance and self centeredness. This gives no place for the opinions of women or any contribution outside of their prescribed traditional role. It was then inevitably expected that women would be solely dependent on the consideration of men for their own survival. Women felt misplaced, mistreated and mystified in their own skin and by extension, in their own society. Having suffered under the tyranny of men, it is no wonder then, that some have rebelled to the degree of becoming feminists. Marge Piercy, a renowned poet and writer states that “All women are misfits. We do not fit into this world without amputations.”

It is important to establish here and now, that women are in and of themselves whole. And, should not be considered misfits since without them men can be considered misfits. Can we imagine a world comprising of purely men? Men without women will have mankind completely extinct, provided that scientific means aren’t developed to reproduce without the female gender. Beyond their procreative qualities, women are, in the modern day society, assuming the roles of men that have, in the majority, failed miserably to achieve that to which they were said to rein supreme at in the past. The women back then, if need been, contemplate aspirations beyond their set roles would have fought hard and prove herself worthy. Even so, she had to give up of herself an element that defines who she is like identity, beliefs, ambitions and pride. In other words, (“Amputate”-Piercy) to fit into the world to which she exist; no doubt, women have done so, sacrificed their own needs, comforts and even dreams to fill the prescribed and expected roles of their sexuality.

Examine this scenario to further substantiate my stance: compare women’s footwear with men’s, women are expected to appear feminine in heels some 1-6 inches in height but while desperately expressing their femininity, they torture themselves with uncomfortable tight fitted shoes that essentially damage their feet and back. In contrast, men wear totally flat fitted and comfortable shoes without any discontent. Another validating example is that of the many careers available, some are said to hold more technical logistics are said to be too subtle for females thus laying them off to settle for maids, nurses, fashion designing and other stereotype “feminine” careers. It is fundamentally correct to then agree that men reigned supreme as they geared towards misogyny in the 1900s and flourished in the highest commanding careers and owned the wealthiest materialistic possessions known to man. Men were the lawyers, doctors, the educators, social workers, solders, police and even pastors/priests.

Women were seen as the bench mark for furniture and an incubator for the young. Nevertheless, women have liberated themselves to virtually unexpected heights and ironically too, the uselessness that was traditionally bestowed upon women now exists in men. The same men to which condemned women for being female are now the reapers to the sown seed. According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia last edited on the 13 October 2012 at 01:26 “Aristotle himself contended that women exist as natural deformities or imperfect males.”

Ironically, switch gears into the 20th century, revelations of male prescience and contribution in society can attest to the fact that men now fail/ diminish exponentially in number where women flourish thus desecrating the preconceived sexual prejudice and stereotype that women have one sole role in society. So, it is my firm belief that men now fail as a result of an infinite dose of ignorance, lack of ambition, fear and mistrust of woman or woman-to-man equality. It is also critical that we highlight that fact women are now more recognised than men and assume most of the crucial roles in society; they no longer depend on men due to liberated independence, not even financially, socially, reproductively and catharsis and with the family.

Having proposed such a solid, salient and solace argument it is only fitting that I conclude my personal view without hesitation. Not to say that the views shared should be accepted but considered. Are women truly misfits? A resounding no!! Women have proven themselves to be as worthy of a collective unit as too do men. They have strived from beneath recognition to optimised appreciation for their contribution, given up most of their solidarity to fit in thus amputating themselves but nevertheless, purpose established. Therefore, if women should be considered misfits then men that blaspheme the existence of their mothers, sisters and sexual partners are as evenly misfits in this world.

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/marge_piercy.htm