"Grounded in deeply-rooted myths about the
irrationality and seductive powers of the female sex, the prohibition against addressing "promiscuous audiences" reinforced early nineteenth-century conceptions of
woman's sphere and became a puissant weapon in the hands of traditionalists-
secular and religious alike-who sought to keep women off the platform and out of
the public arena."
Do you think Zaeske's explanation of "promiscuous audiences" and keeping women out of the public arena still applies to today's society in America? If so, how?
Do you think Zaeske's explanation of "promiscuous audiences" and keeping women out of the public arena still applies to today's society in America? If so, how?
Definitely not to the same severity as in earlier times, but in some situations, yes. There are certain topics that women are expected to not know much about (ie. sports) so consequently they are often shut out or not taken seriously in regard to that specific topic. Some religious practices also enforce segregation amongst genders in certain situations.
ReplyDeleteI definitely believe that people are still trying to keep women out of the public arena, however, women are not allowing it and fight for their right to have a voice. For instance, I believe that we have yet to bring a women into the White House as President because people do not believe that women have the ability to run a country. Also, not very many people recognize women in sports unless it is a women dominated sport. I can even say I do not enjoy softball even though I love baseball. Even I am guilty of ignoring women in sports because I grew up watching male dominated sports and never watched women sports.
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