Women Into the Frontlines

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/23/military-to-open-combat-jobs-to-women/

When I read the other day that women are now allowed into frontlines 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 frontlines 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 frontlines 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 frontlines, 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? 

 Originally Published: January 27, 2013-Cassie R.