Trying to Move Forward

The consequences that result from women’s attempts to resist various forms of oppression is enraging. Earlier in the semester I wrote a blog called “It’s a lose-lose situation” for women of course (regarding body image), and here I am wanting to give this blog the same title! Coincidence? Not!

Our gender craze society has been set up this way for the sole purpose of enforcing and continuing women’s oppression for as long as humankind exists.

Lesbian existence has been seen as a breakthrough of women oppression. Both Rich and Wittig use lesbians as an example of resisting male dominance. Being a lesbian allows for freedom of men. However, in this male dominant society, nothing is that simple (for women).

The consequences of resistance are saddening. Rich describes that lesbians also “include isolation, self-hatred, breakdown, alcoholism, suicide, and intrawomen violence.” The story of the Oslo lesbian was disturbing, and unfortunately much too common. Homosexuality is portrayed as unnatural and something that must be fixed. For example, the woman in the story was “diagnosed” as heterosexual and had to undergo couch therapy to “fix” her homosexual desires. Camps to fix homosexuality have been advertised to keep this oppression, because homosexuality and women’s oppression go hand in hand. There have been many cases of suicide among lesbians. Recently, two Indian teenagers committed suicide because they did not know how their future would be as lesbians. Acts against lesbians are ways to keep women oppressed.

Rich and Wittig explain that the of use gender categorization is a political and social institution to oppress women. Wittig uses lesbians as an example to resist oppression. But, as feminist take a step towards equality, there are forces pushing back to keep women oppressed. Further, Rich describes heterosexuality as another way to oppress women.

I feel that women need to break out of the male dominating cycle. Women need to empower women, instead of putting them down. Women, lesbians, and homosexuality need to be included in history. Passing culture down to the next generation will help to overcome these oppressions. Every situation that a women faces should not be a lose-lose situation.