Monday, January 26, 2015
Why You Shouldn't Have Children
A short fifty years ago women had a much different view of women-hood. Most of the time it consisted of finding a man, getting married, having a baby, then caring for the family. However, the modern day view of women-hood has changed drastically. Nowadays they seem to consist of any number of things ranging from CEO of an automotive business like Mary Barra, or running for the 2008 presidential election like Hillary Clinton. Caitlin Moran, author of "How to Be a Woman," is stressing the fact that traditional ways are changing and, questions why women have to carry the burden of having a child even when they feel impartial about the whole baby making idea. Caitlin explains how women are constantly being asked "So when do you plan on having babies?" Which, in her own words mean "When are you doing to fuck up everything you've worked towards by having kids?" She then goes on to point out how not a single man is asked this same question. many points are touched on about the differences between men and women when it comes to having children. Then, explains how it isn't fair when it in fact takes two to actually create a baby. In many ways I agree with Caitlin, however, I know humans and every other motherly being has always had a mother tend to the offspring. Whether it be humans, cats, or dogs, or anything, mothers have a natural nurturing nature about them and in my opinion is why the burden of having children is stressed on women, compared to men. Although the burden falls upon them, I do feel that women should be able to make the choice of not having children and not feel judged by society. I doubt views on this particular subject will change any time soon but, I do hope to see a day when women can make the decision to not bear children and not be forced into decisions by the way society is.
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I completely agree with your depiction of Why You Shouldn’t Have Children, Ch. 13 of “How To Be a Woman”. I believe that Caitlin Moran was stressing the fact that our societal norms are different now, and it is far too common that a woman is faced with having to defend her-self when making the decision on whether or not they want to take on the enormous responsibility and limitations that come with a having a child. I think that Moran’s view on society’s pressure on women to have children is necessary, not only to Feminism, but to support the thousands of women who are scared to answer the question “So, when do you want to have kids?!” honestly because of the criticism from people who think that not wanting kids is “wrong.” I disagree however, with Moran’s seeming lack of appreciation for motherhood. She states “I don’t think there’s a single lesson that motherhood has to offer that couldn’t be learned elsewhere,” which could come off as degrading to some mothers.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your views are concerned, I generally agree with the fact that many motherly figures of all species have a natural nurturing trait that helps them care for their young! However I do think that there are many women, with children and without, who have absolutely no nurturing instincts. There are also many men who have very strong nurturing instincts. In my opinion, it depends more on the personalities of the two people having a child rather than their genders to determine whom the primary care taker should be. Unfortunately, society’s gender norms force the responsibility of putting the primary care giver role onto the mother; this is something that Moran definitely argued in her writing, and that you pointed out in your blog.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with the point you made about the burden of having children lies upon the women and that’s true. And like you said, it takes two to make a baby, but society only asks the woman and not the man which is ridiculous. But at the same time it does make some sense that people would rather ask women these questions like, “when are you going to have children?” because you mentioned that women have “natural nurturing nature about [having children]”. But still, it isn't fair that women get asked this question throughout their life. I also agree with what you said that “women should be able to make the choice of not having children and not feel judged by society.” When women get asked if they want children and they say no, people’s response to that is “you say that now” or “are you sure?” but when men get asked (which is rare) and they happen to say no as well, peoples response to that is “oh, alright.” Men aren't questioned by their answers, unlike women. Also I don’t think it’s right when women get asked these personal questions in interviews, it isn't anybody’s business Women should be able to freely do what they desire with their body and not feel pressured by anyone or any standards.
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