Fields considered "women's work"

While doing research for my ENG400 class, I came across an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education that included this mind-opening quote:

"The lower status of ‘women's work’ and the way in which the stigma is attached to gender and not to the work itself are also illustrated by the history of computer science. In the early 1900s, intensive computational work was done by women, often because those were the only positions available to women with an interest in mathematics or science…It became respected, and highly paid, only once men dominated the field."

Though I shouldn't be surprised, I have to say that I am. Professions that are considered "women's work" are looked down upon and disrespected due to the gender of those in the profession - not the line of work itself.  What do you think about this? I guess what I really want to know is: Does it surprise YOU? Why or why not?

Billboard: Happy wife = happy life

This is a photo of a billboard spotted in Kansas City, Mo, claiming that what your wife needs to be happy is... a remodeled kitchen, of course! I have to say, when I first saw this photo I thought it was a joke. Why, in 2012, do we still have this mentality that a "woman's place" = kitchen?

This is not even so offensive anymore as it is ridiculous. People who perpetuate this idea only make themselves look ignorant and illuminate the fact that they need to update their way of thinking. Perhaps we can start by not making ads like this? Or at least claim that it was tongue-in-cheek.

On female bodies & the public's infatuation with critiquing them...

I feel like I should start out with a post about body image, and the public's need to incessantly comment on the way women look. Though it may seem a bit personal, there is really no other way to write this - and I'm sure many women can relate.

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An ex-boyfriend of mine once informed me, “If you would only get skinny, I’d love you forever.” He was full of little gems like this, another being “I hate curvy things, especially roads and women.” Taking his “advice” to heart, I lost a whopping 40 pounds. Did our relationship magically become happy because I was thinner? As I’m sure you’ve guessed, no, it didn’t. I wasn’t happier – just hungrier.

It’s not just boyfriends who feel it’s their place to comment. I’ve had Dunkin’ Donuts employees helpfully suggest that I get the low-fat blueberry muffin (I’ve looked it up. There isn’t much of a difference anyway). I’ve had Gertrude Hawk employees let me know just what they thought of my presence at the store – “You really don’t need chocolate.” I never asked if I needed chocolate – nobody “needs” chocolate – but I wanted it. What I didn’t want was some random person’s opinion on what I could and could not eat based on the fact that I could stand to lose a few.

Sadly, I know I’m not the only woman who has caved into the pressure of having comments and critiques of her body thrown at her on a near-daily basis. I have overheard many of these remarks in class, at work, on trains, at local coffee shops, etc. I have also seen posts on online message boards and blogs claiming absurd opinions stated as facts, such as “Any woman over (a certain weight, which is often quite low) is a hippo.” Yes, that one is verbatim. I’ve once even heard an acquaintance say to a group of friends, “You know what I hate most in the world? Fat women.”

You would think that in this day and age of alleged equality between men and women, comments on men’s bodies would be just as rampant. However, I really can’t recall ever hearing even one. I’ve never witnessed an overweight man receiving that look while eating a big or unhealthy meal. I remember the lunch ladies at high school gladly serving huskier male students double or even triple lunches, then telling me, “Sorry, we’re all out of food…” – slight pause to look me over – “…are you sure you really need much anyway?”

My point is not to invoke pity or to present myself as bitter, but to present my experience as just one of millions like it. I’m not alone. I know that the majority of women have most likely been on the receiving end of these harsh observations and disapproving looks. My question is, why?

Why is it okay to comment on a woman’s body like it is public property?

 Maybe it’s because society still views women as objects. I know that most people would protest that idea and say that women and men have been equals for years and that

feminism is outdated and unnecessary, but I don’t agree with that. Yes, it is true that women now have the same rights and, for the most part, opportunities as men do. But the mostly unspoken mentality that women are here for our viewing pleasure still exists, manifesting itself in the kinds of comments above.

Maybe it’s because people think that they are being helpful and / or encouraging, kind of like “tough love.” Who knows – maybe that girl could become the next famous runway model, if only she’d go on a diet. Perhaps another girl has “such a pretty face,” and people are only trying to help her emphasize her gorgeous features by suggesting that she exercise a little more.

Whatever the reason, it’s unfortunately a fact that this is considered the norm. Most people aren’t shocked at all, nor do they even bat an eye, at the kind of comments that come out of people’s mouths.

It exists in magazines and on television – celebrities are often called “fat” or “chubby.” Most actresses who make it onto a “worst dressed list” were wearing something that evidently made them “look fat,” as if fat is the worst thing one can possibly be. The singer Adele was recently called “too fat” by a designer. If she were a male, would anyone care?

So, if you are one of the guilty ones, my advice to you is this: stop it. No one wants your suggestions, recommendations, or comments that she “should get skinny” or “doesn’t need to eat that.” I don’t believe it is that difficult to have respect for women – yes, even overweight women. Let her have her dessert in peace. It doesn’t concern you, and it makes her happy (at least, it would make me happy).

By the way, I gained all of the weight back, and I’m still the same person. Whatever my weight is, I still believe that critiquing a woman’s body by publicly making a comment to her is unacceptable and inappropriate – even if you try to be nice about it, even if a compliment about her “pretty face” goes along with it, and even if you promise her eternal love.

Obligatory Introductory Post

Welcome to my blog. Clearly, I will be blogging about modern feminist/women's issues. Unfortunately, I am awful at thinking of titles for these things, so suggestions are welcome. This will get better as I post more - I promise.