Fuel for My Feminist Agenda

We've come along way since the advent of a-line skirts with matching aprons. Today, I have the pleasure of knowing I will be able to sign my own lease, pursue my own career, receive maternity leave, and burn as many pancakes as I want without anyone worrying about my wifely eligibility.  However, if we have come such a long way as to consider our American society eradicated of gender inequality, why did this essay strike such a cord? In reality, we still have some work to do, and the fact that this essay can still be considered relevant in the 21st century proves its quality. Although the essay is relatively simple in diction, I admire its ability to evoke fierce emotion, regardless. The essay is blunt and unapologetic, something that would have received harsh disapproval in 1970's society. It does not leave room for interpretation but makes clear the underlying grievances of women who feel trapped by their own home. This essay is exactly what society needed to hear, and sometimes the simplest messages resonate the longest. On a different note, the essay tends to demonize the "husbands" in its attempt to victimize the "wives." In my experience, social advocacy is most successful when people of both sides of the issue feel empowered to accomplish equality as opposed to feeling attacked or defeated. Today, it is especially vital to be inclusive to everyone when attempting to create social change, as further polarization only fuels the opposition. After all, feminism is an idea that promotes both wives and their husbands. Why wouldn't we invite them to join our side in the fight?

In a way, Medea represents all those wives in ancient Greece who were also in need of wives. Although most women resorted to social groups rather than murderous rampages, Medea's resentment toward her husband's betrayal and to her position in life was a sentiment all to familiar. The true tragedy of Medea's story was not only that she ultimately used her talent and wisdom for destruction, but that she was never allowed to funnel her talent and wisdom into something productive or beneficial. She was expected to support Jason, bear his children, and then be expendable when new opportunities arose. Medea was a victim of her circumstances as Jason's wife, a position she did not even choose herself, and a figure that many 1970's wives and ancient Greek women could relate to.