When I read the other day that women are now allowed into front lines combat (which, granted, had been occurring unofficially for several
years due to a lacking of male soldiers on the front) I was both excited and a
little bit worried. I’ll explain my excitement first—for some bizarre reason,
women in current society are still treated like precious China Dolls, who may
break at a moment’s notice. This perhaps stems from old Victorian myths of
hysteria and the blindingly obvious use of the phrase “the weaker sex” to refer
to women. The fact that women have proved their strength over the years in
protests, intelligence, and socially despite all societal constraints is
fantastic until one thinks, “Oh, but yes, you women are far to weak to fight on
the front lines in the Army.” Not anymore. It may sound as though I am
conforming to the masculinity driven ideals of our Western society when I say
that allowing women to fight on the front lines seems to put an official seal on
women being (or at least getting closer) to be treated with equality. And maybe
I am, but I choose to look at the situation like this—what is more of an icon
for the Western World (or any world) than that of a soldier? In media and even
advertising propaganda, the Soldier has been seen as the Everyman, the boy next
door, the father, the uncle, etc. This reinforces the concept that one should
treat these roles with respect because if their family member is not out
fighting, then they are safe at home and that is a gift in itself. Now, think
about what happens when we add women to this equation—mothers, daughters, aunts—and
the same respect must be afforded in turn. Why should you respect a woman?
Because she may be going out to fight for her country and for your life, that’s
why. This can also help to erase the “Men and Women are Different” stereotype
which pervades our society as a product of our media.
Now, to my worry. Identifying as female myself and seeing
now that women are allowed to go out to the front lines I find myself selfishly
worried about the possibility of a draft. Yes, yes, mock me all you like and
show me facts of how laws are in place which will help to prevent such things,
but the truth of the matter is also that with the aforementioned respect come
all the pros and cons associated with achieving it. Is this strange for me to
have been previously thankful that a gendered, oppressive rule would have kept
me safe in such situations as the draft for Vietnam simply because I am a
woman? Does this show my desire for nonviolence or my inner China Doll balking
at the concept? How does this development affect those of us who have no
interest in fighting on the front but still desire the equality which should
accompany such achievement?
http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/23/military-to-open-combat-jobs-to-women/
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