Women in the Contemporary Society

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Introduction

In the contemporary world, societies are male dominated and therefore women are always at the periphery when major decisions affecting such societies are being passed. Although the population of the women in the world is regarded as being higher than that of men, women have failed to place themselves in strategic positions that would help them air their grievances and opinions whenever such an opportunity presents itself.

This is mainly attributed to the fact that men who have held these leadership positions since time immemorial have deliberately put mechanisms that have limited women progress in the society. The modern day education has helped more and more women in getting into senior positions of leadership.

Women have over the years been considered of less importance compared to men with their sole duty being to give birth and take care of the babies. Although this trend is fast changing there are still some societies especially from the Third World countries where women are still being oppressed and down graded by their husbands and society at large.

How the film “Mulan (1998) reinforce the current patriarchal/gender expectations of women

Emancipation

In the film Mulan (1998) women are seen trying to emancipate themselves from the yokes of the society (Michael 3). It demonstrates how Pocahontas- a female character in the movie went against the norms of the society by becoming an intimate friend of John Smith who was an Englishman.

According to Pocahontas society, women were supposed to remain in their society and therefore could not in any way befriend or get married to a person regarded by her society as a foreigner. Mulan goes a step further to claim that “I never want to see a naked man again.” (Mulan (1998) pg. 1)

In addition Mulan demands to be heard and respected, she says “Then you’re gonna have to trust me… And don’t you slap me no more…We clear on that…All right. Okey-dokey” (Mulan (1998) pg. 1).

From the above scenarios it is quite evident that women in our societies are realizing that they are part of the society and hence need to be granted equal opportunities and just as their counterparts the men. Therefore we can say that her action to rebel against her society is a clear demonstration of how women are willing and ready to fight for their emancipation.

Importance of working as a team

In addition, the film shows that women have over the years learnt to unite and fight for their rightful position in the society. According to it, women at the beginning of this particular movie are illustrated as unsupportive to one another. However, as the movie goes on it begins to dawn to these women on the importance of uniting in order to support each other in their society.

It shows that Pocahontas lived in a family that was very supportive to her as well as her female companions. In addition to that the movie tells us that Pocahontas sought guidance from various people. From the above remarks the movie Mulan (1998) shows women that unless they unite in all aspects of the society male dominance will continue to be there as long as they fail to speak with one voice in matters pertaining to their welfare.

Freedom of choose and appreciation from the members of the society

Furthermore the movie depicts that women have come of age and therefore they should be given the leeway to choose who their spouses should be. The fact that Pocahontas refused to accompany John Smith to Britain clearly shows that women should be given the freedom to choose other than forcing things on them some of which may be oppressing to them (Butler 102). As a result, today many women are forming organizations meant to address the plight of the young ones.

Consequently, many women have emerged as scholars and with the assistance of relevant organizations they have managed to address the plight of other women in the society. The issue of being appreciated by the society is also manifested in this movie. Women have for a long term being admired by men and the society at large because of their beauty and not for they are.

When Mulan is ordered by Mushu to beat up rude kids she says “But I don’t wanna kick the other kid’s butt” (Mulan (1998) pg. 1), a way of showing that she can be a responsible woman able to handle things as they arise. Therefore, this movie is a clear demonstration of the struggle women are going through as they seek recognition and appreciation in the society.

In the movie women in a number of societies are seen as tools. That is the reason why the women characters in this film are going against the norms of the society so that men who are the leaders can recognize the part they play in making the society move forward. In the contemporary world women have won this battle and are now holding some of the senior most position of leadership in their respective organizations.

Conclusion

Women play a very important role in society and therefore we should treat them as equal partners in the running of society’s affairs. Times are changing and therefore this call for change in peoples’ attitude towards women. They should understand that women are the forces behind a strong family and society at large.

In order to protect women from such domination from male companions, the legislative arm of the government should pass laws that puts men and women at par so that respect between them is realized. Stiffer penalties should be sanctioned against those who engage in acts perceived to undermine women. This will go along way in ensuring that women in society achieve their earlier denied opportunities.

Works Cited

Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. New York: Routledge, 2007.

Michael, Andrew. Women in the Contemporary Society. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.

Mulan (1998). Web.

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