The Nonexistent Existence of the "Modern Woman"

The treatment of women changes from society to society and culture to culture, as well as time period to time period. Only until recently did the idea of equality between the sexes arise in the modern world. Especially in the current day United States, the power of women easily surpasses that of those 60 years ago in the same country and those in completely different cultures, like those in Middle Eastern nations. Before this "modern woman" there was and still exists today in multiple places the "subservient woman." This woman may be subordinate to God or society, but almost always is subordinate to man. Yet, I do not believe that man is completely responsible for this kind of woman. Of course it does not help that man endorses the "subservient woman," but the society and culture in which this woman exists is the most at blame. Society creates the "subservient woman," while man supports it, AND the women do not find the willpower  or resources to fight back. This vicious circle prevents any sort of progress towards the "modern woman" like the woman of American culture.

In Kate Chopin's The Awakening, the protagonist, Edna, serves as an example of the hopelessness of feminist progress during that time period. Edna's foil, Adele, serves as an example of that society's "subservient woman," one who is valued for her ability as a mother and wife. These spheres (mother and wife) were the only options for a "normal" woman of that time. Any idea of equality or even the persuing of other paths than motherhood and being a wife was scorned and attacked. Yet, even today in a society of "modern women," we have difficulty appreciating Edna's attempt to better herself because of the fact that she abandoned her children. The connection between mother and child has remained the same in most societies. Therefore, we must question: "Can the 'modern woman' truly exist if this connection exists in our society?"

If society says this connection between woman and child exists, then women of that society can not even hope for true equality. We see this even in our society in the form of scorn for unsuccessful mothers. There is a double standard between men and woman that exists because women have this connection with a child that the man cannot achieve since he cannot give birth. Then, due to conformity, this double standard will remain for the majority of people. The 'modern woman' cannot truly exist because, according to society, there will always be a connection between mother and child that links her to motherhood. While American society may boast its progressive women, there is no true way to compare women to men. Equality is relative and until society learns to view women and men in separately lights, women will unfortunately always be compared to men based on his standards, not hers.

This issue of gender roles, independence, and conformity is prevalent in modern media. For example, Lady Gaga's song "Scheisse" is a creative feminist anthem. While "scheisse" is a German word that can be directly translated into a derogatory term, Lady Gaga uses it as a translation of "persistent complications women face due to their 'place' next to men."

"I wish I could be strong without someone there...I wish I could be strong without the scheisse!"
"Love is objectified by what men say is right."

These two examples of lyrics from the song express the narrator-woman's desire to be able to act without being compared to man in a world where what is deemed "right" is based on man's standards.