Writing Topic 1

Women make 85% of what men make, roughly, as one of our readings states. Statistics of women making lower than what men make as well as getting fewer promotions, less in bonuses and benefits have all contributed in what is now called the glass ceiling. Many women who want career advancement can't get it, or they're picked only as figureheads on the board of directors, for example. Why does this type of sex discrimination occur? The answer is simple: power.

Traditionally, the male breadwinner and female as homemaker roles have been passed on for generations. Women were only expected to be good wives, take care of the kids (one boy and one girl, of course, according to the American Dream), and put family over any idea to pursue a career. Men have dominated society for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Historically, men are the heroes of the country, men bring glory to the family, and men now are supposed to provide for the family. Like, Chinese history or Greek and Roman societies. All of them have famous generals or emperors; women seldom appear in the fabric of great men's lives, and if they do it is as their wives or standing behind them. Women aren't seen as the hero. Some people say it's in their blood because it has been this way for so long. Because of male patriarchy then, for it is the society that decides what people do or at least shapes it and most societies even today are male-dominated, women don't have as much experience in the public sphere. At least, that's what seems logical historically in not getting promoted as often, having a lower salary.

Actually, when women started looking for jobs most often were piece-time or part time jobs, since they were still expected to stay at home and raise the family. Isn't it true today? A double-standard of women exists. Men normally just work, but women who work also have to make sure the kids eat well, sleep early, do the dishes, the laundry, almost everything is still the same as when only men did jobs, except even more tiring. They're on double duty every day, 24-7 365.

It's not just the society that is at fault in this problem. If you look at individual women, some think it's normal that they don't get promoted or have higher earnings. Women praise men, follow them and think they're like gods in some cultures. Well, maybe not today's women, since feminism has started working it's way more and more into society. Also, some women are stigmatized by what feminism is about and what attitudes they should have about themselves. They get constantly bombarded of political correctness, equality, rights, terms that are used so loosely now by almost every faction of society. It's hard to drown out the noise and see who is really speaking and what they stand for. Not all women's rights groups are radical, and that is what women of all ages don't discern.

I think all the preaching isn't working, no matter if you're a corporate executive or a bra burning anti patriarchal feminista. If we want sexism to stop in the workplace, it has to start with the kids. If you give them a bad example, then they're going to be just like they're parents and judge people based on stereotypes that the kids have formed based on what their parents do. Behavioral learning starts early, so good parenting is really essential in creating attitudes of how to treat people. As for the people already practicing prejudiced ways of hiring, there should be a program required for top executives quarterly or every month to remind them of what women face in the workplace. If they don't see it happening or let it pass right under their noses because the managers underneath them are hiring only pretty young women or giving top salaries only to ethnic women so that they don't get sued, it's their fault and they won't even know it. No matter what, the way people think of gender equality has got to change. Traditional views of the housewife or breadwinner isn't going to fly anymore. It isn't a question of how, but when people start to see that what they're doing is wrong.

No More Dilemas

I have finally removed all the clouds and smoggy opinions from the very pressing question of what to do with my future. I don't think I should have let so many people influence what I had already decided I wanted to do when I was 14. It's really simple; all I want to do is write. I don't need to do science or business or anything else, even though those fields might be more lucrative. I want to be either a scriptwriter or and editor. Yeah, I want to do completely different things. Maybe write a couple of books, too. Mainly, though I don't want to feel like I am pressured to do what everyone else is doing. Of course, I'll still try a lot of other types of courses while I'm in university to see if I don't like anything else. I'm already to start looking up graduate programs that offer writing or creative writing. I guess that means I should start writing more than I do now. It'd very calming and satisfying to let go of your brain and create something that you didn't know you could do just by sitting and thinking about things with a paper and pencil :)

Sad About Family Tragedy

This weekend was supposed to be a good one. It ended up in a terrible tragedy that could have been prevented. My mother took my brother and I to 日月潭 (sun moon lake) on Saturday (10/18). The weather was picturesque; a calm blue sky and fluffy marshmallow clouds guided our way towards the camp site. Nothing could prepare me for what my mom told me when we were halfway there. She said that my uncle (姑丈) had died in a terrible car accident. He had been drinking and singing KTV (karaoke) with friends after work. He was very very drunk and got on his motorcycle. Then, a perfectly good human being was taken away from loved ones and friends. This man has family in China, since he is from that country. It must be terrible to lose someone close. I sat in the car shocked into silence for a long time after I heard this news. I last saw my uncle merely two months ago when my brother and I went to Kaohsiung to visit my aunt. It is very surreal to hear about people that you've seen with your own eyes perfectly fine and living. I can't believe how sudden;y this happened. I feel very deeply for my aunt because she has always been by my side throughout my life. I wish I can go comfort her soon. Maybe I will go to the funeral next weekend. I guess this is why people always say that it is important to notice your safety at all times. :(