Even though the book is about the standard 1950s housewife, it still identifies with females of all ages. The ideas of masculinity can still sometimes be shown today as well. For example, my 4 year old cousin told me I wasn't allowed to like Batman, that it was a boy thing. I also remember when I was in about third grade, I was the master of the tetherball court. I could beat anyone at any time. The boys weren't too happy about that, as to be expected. They thought that girls shouldn't play "boy" games. It wasn't lady-like to smack a ball around a pole for hours on end. But these nonsensical sayings aren't just a product of childish opinion, it's found in educated adults as well. The other day I was yelled at by my dad when I forgot to do the dishes. He told me that no husband would want a slob for a wife, that I needed to learn to clean properly or I'd never keep a man. As if my purpose in life is only to keep a man and clean the house.
I didn't realize until I started reading The Feminine Mystique that this was the thought process that both men and women shared in the 1950s. "The Dream" that so many young women strived for was to have a husband and a handful of kids, to have the latest household appliances. All they were known as was "Jimmy's mom" or "Bob's wife". It was as if they had no personality, no dreams of profession or anything beyond motherhood.
That being said, I can honestly say how grateful I am to live in the time that I do and have the resources I have. I don't know what I would do if I were to be trapped only doing domestic duties and not taken seriously by men, or ridiculed for wanting anything other than the norm. While it's obvious that things still aren't completely right, that women are still payed less than their male counterparts, that they still are the subject of ridicule for being "overemotional", things are getting better. While they are few and far in-between,women are now in higher positions; CEOs of major companies, senators, and even presidential candidates. Women have come a long way, but we have a far way to go.
This book is pretty challenging. There's a lot of big words and I'm not particularly fond of the author's writing style. The subject however, is close to my feminist heart and in turn, worth the extra time spent reading to reach my first week goal. To remember my favorite of the many wonderful points made by Friedan, I use sticky notes to leave brief explanations throughout the book.
I hope this post was at least a little thought provoking for anyone who chooses to read it.
****Until Next Time......