Women of "Herland" vs. The Women of Today
...s he used to date back in his home country. The women of Herland need muscles to survive, agility and strength. The women there built their own houses, churches, roads and bridges. They do not have the modern equipment that the male society used in the 1900’s. Van was surprised to learn the games that the women played, that the games are either intellectually stimulating, or are directed at strengthening a certain part of the body. Most of the games that the men recalled from back home didn’t have any useful purpose, but just existed for time-passing or fun. All three men were fascinated with the clothes that the women wore, because they were designed with the sole purpose of being comfortable to wear, ones which could last for a long time, but could allow any movement, not just walking and sitting down. Looking at the women at the end of the 1800’s, the dress code and the activities that the women were involved in are very limited. Women sat at home, or went to balls with their husbands so that they are accepted by the higher society. Most of the time, however, was spent gossiping about other important people. The women who had a sufficient income from their husbands had maids, cooks, nannies and such so that they were not occupied with things that other people could do for them. The women who were not so lucky had to take care of their own children, and try to be accepted in the society as a working person, doing small jobs in bakeries and such. When such things were described to the women of Herland, they found it hard to believe that women had such a low position in the social ladder, that most of them spent their time first waiting to be married, and later, spending their days practically in isolation. They were also surprised to learn that the ties between the women of that time were not as closely knit as theirs were, that everyone in “our” world is selfish and thinks mostly about their own good, not the good of the general public. When comparing the Herland women with ourselves, living in the modern world, it can be easily observed that we are growing even further apart. There are numerous cases of mothers abandoning their kids, giving them up for adoption, or kicking children out of the house when they become more than they want to handle. Of course, this was all present one hundred years ago too, but not to the extent that it happens today. Many people now leave their family that raised them and visit for holidays or special occasions. Family ties are only portrayed when there is a great disaster in the family, like a death, which bring everyone together, when moral support is shown by everyone around, and people feel the love. It’s a shame that such circumstances have to occur for people to become closer. Today, women have lives, go to college and get an education so that they can later obtain something which men used to dominate for hundreds of years – work places. Now, it’s a priority for most girls to be independent, and not rely on men to support them. Being a housewife isn’t something which is accepted by most females of our generation, proving that women now take charge of their lives, expecting and achieving more. However, comp...