However, I feel that this is a worthwhile discussion that is of particular significance to students, especially those of us approaching that point in our lives where society expects us to be thinking about or pursuing serious relationships. In keeping with the theme of Ian Joyce and Brett Milam’s essays, I will attempt to rock said boat by bringing yet another perspective to this discussion on the role of women in relationships.
That is, a woman’s perspective.
Not to say that the two previous articles didn’t do an excellent job of speaking on behalf of women. Ian was spot on in his observation that while girls want to be with guys who see them as more than a body, we often sell ourselves short. And Brett was right to point out that women are not meant to cater to their husband’s every demand; it’s that mentality that can keep women in abusive relationships.
I find myself between these two positions, although I hesitate to say between because I think given the chance to express their thoughts more completely, we would find that their opinions coincide more than one would think. And I believe my perspective fits right in with theirs, although I’m sure it might seem strange at first glance:
I want to serve a man.
The Rest.
[=]
PS From Hiram. I thought I might use my "I'm baffled"
graphic, but I think that goes without saying.
Satire? Maybe? Somebody please tell me it's a satire...
ReplyDeleteActually no, not satire, and the use of the word "helpmeet" suggests that she is familiar with or maybe we even raised in the Christian Patriarchy movement, where books with titles like "Born to be his Helpmeet" are very common. This is backed up by the call for modesty--but at least she doesn't go as far as suggesting those ugly jumpers and she IS in college so she can't be all that into the movement.
ReplyDeleteBut mostly I suspect she just isn't all that experienced. Has she experienced a man who needs to be "served"? Who cries for his mom when he's sick and insists that you fold his underwear the same way his mom and him do so you just fucking stupid doing his stupid laundry because folding 8 year old tighty whities that he won't replace till they fall to shreds is just stupid? That draws outlines on the counter where his parents said the salt and pepper go because you weren't putting them "in the right place"? Who was doing a hundred over benign things, none of them really abusive, all of them things he can and will do for himself, that have to be "just so" so that you feel like you're losing your mind anyway?
Nope, probably not. But she probably will.
Reminds me of the dim-witted naif in a seminar when I was a college freshman. We were discussing love and divorce or some such thing apropos of a reading (at a Catholic college). She chimed in to say "well, I would just never marry someone who I'd want to divorce."
ReplyDeleteSome laughed and some just stared, knowing that there was no non-sarcastic response available.
Crap, I've been outed.
ReplyDelete-- Kelsey/F and T