A Different Set Of Standards Is Used To Judge Women

Name: Professor’s Name: Course: Date: A Different Set of Standards Is Used To Judge Women When it comes to what men and women do and the consequences that follow, it is clear that men will always have a soft landing while women will be looked at with a different set of eyes. Since time immemorial, women have been judged differently or have been made to seem to be of lesser value than they truly are. From an early age, girls are told not to be aggressive or assertive, or they might end up alone or cast aside. The truth is, the society was traditionally structured in a way that looked down on women and saw them as second fiddle. Certain opportunities were reserved for men, and whenever women challenged or even showed some signs of disdain for status quo, they were quickly shamed and shown their place. Today, the story is not different although to some extent women have managed to also show their grit in challenging for degrading stances. The situation today is mild and subtle, but the message is the same. While the powers that be are pushing to assure everyone that gender equality is already in the past, one is left to question the standards in place which seem to be not only degrading but also limiting to women. In his essay The Education of Women, Daniel Defoe talks about how the society often reproaches women and looks down on them while denying them the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education. He continues to note that given the same “advantages of education,” women would indeed “be guilty of less than ourselves.” Looking at some parts of the world today, one marvels at the barbaric and retrogressive laws in place which seem to erect one hurdle after another on whichever paths women choose to take. For example, a quick look at the situation of women in the Middle East will help reveal this. In the Middle East, women have been victims of Islamic as well as customary laws which seem to put a ceiling on their dreams. In his essay, Defoe talks of women spending their youth stitching and sewing, and this indeed mirrors the situation in the Middle East. The customary laws project and subject women to duties which are, to say the least subsistence. Their role is seen to be limited to the kitchen or familial duties, ...