¶ … Kimmel, it is gender inequality, rather than gender differences that is the cause of gender differences in men and women. And gender inequality is caused from the earliest age on depending on the specific country and age that we live in. Kimmel is not even sure whether gender inequality, does not exist today. It is thought that it has vanished, yet in many areas, it still seems to be flourishing.
Each of the stories presented illustrate Kimmel's theme and indicate how gender inequality is a substance that has been socially created during a specific epoch and in a special place.
In the "Yellow Wallpaper" (Stetson), you have the horrific story of a woman who became senile due to the way her husband and caretakers treated her. She hated the room, hated the bondage, and hated her 'liberty'. She wanted to write; wanted different furnishings; wanted to get out; wanted to be with her child. Yet her husband -- the all-wise physician -- persisted in treating her in a certain way, calling her 'gosling' and 'little girl' and insisting that writing would be damaging to her health:
If a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression -a slight hysterical tendency -what is one to do?
My brother is also a physician, and also of high standing, and he says the same thing. Personally, I disagree with their ideas. Personally, I believe that congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good. But what is one to do? (648)
The woman believes that her husband knows what is right… She believes that he cares for her... There may be something wrong with her… All that she can do is fret that she cannot actualize her responsibilities:
I meant to be such a help to John, such a real rest and comfort, and here I am a comparative burden already! Nobody would believe what an effort it is to do what little I am able, -to dress and entertain, and order things. (648)
The woman, brought up in a certain way, treated in a certain way, cannot see beyond that. That is her social reality. In the end, to escape...
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