I guess since the main thing we are talking about in class lately is gender roles and such, I'll try to touch on that. It has been interesting to talk about how drastic the differences in gender roles can be from a change in time period or country. However, being one of the seven to eight males in a classroom that is mostly female, including the teacher, I can't help but feel horrible when we talk of the past and read novels such as The Awakening and A Thousand Splendid Suns. But one thing I can do, is appreciate the difference I can see between the books and today's lifestyle of women. Granted, I might not be able to connect to the feminist novels as much as a woman in my class could, but I try. And it is always awkward talking or writing about this topic, I am always afraid I might say something wrong, and being in a groggy, half sick mind-set isn't helping think clearly anyway... but anyway.
It is almost mind blowing when you compare these novels to our life style. Compared to A Thousand Splendid Suns, women in America are a thousand steps ahead. Women can be whatever they want to be, don't have to rely on a man at their side or expected to produce a worthy offspring. Women are free to explore the possibilities of life, not sent off to the highest bidder when they are of age.
I am going to stop where I think I have made my point, and hope I didn't say anything stupid.
I am tired and haven't eaten anything in a day or so... I might try to hold down some toast... after a quick nap.
good night.
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Dennis, I can't possible imagine you saying anything "wrong"... you are far too enlightened. And I don't want these novels to make you or any of the other males in the class feel bad or alienated... that is one of the things I have struggled with this unit for the past few years. I truly, truly appreciate you and your other male classmates this year... it has really been the best year yet for this unit! Get better soon!! :-)
ReplyDeleteYeah thanks, and I forgot to say that this class, even though I still feel it a little, is the most relaxed I have felt talking about gender roles. It has been a lot better than other experiences and its a nice environment. I am feeling a lot better now, thanks, and my mindset is a little better now.
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