Analysis and Interpretation of the woman warrior
...pg 86) These conditions are not like they were 60 or 70 years ago, but the women in that society have a long way to go to overcome those many years of oppression. When we hear these things in America, it causes us to shudder, as this goes against our cultural upbringing. Women in America are breaking free from oppression also, but they didn’t have as far to go. Women were “supposed to” stay home like June Cleaver in Leave It to Beaver, and they were supposed to raise the family and make sure the husband was happy. They were not, however, thought of as less than human, nor were they sold publicly as slaves. Now, American women make up over 50% of our work force, and they are gaining confidence in themselves, as well as gaining the confidence of others every day. In both societies, we can see how women were underestimated, and in both cultures, we can see how women have proven they can be more than a wife, a slave, a housewife or a handmaiden. Another aspect of the Chinese culture is how their families stay together. If a Chinese family has a son and he marries, the daughter-in-law will come to live with them. It is not uncommon for there to be as many as 3 or 4 generations living in the same household. When an older member of the family dies, their picture is displayed, and food and gifts are placed in front of the picture. They believe this practice will ensure their loved ones have everything they need in their afterlife to be comfortable. In America, family is also important, but we do not follow the same practices as the Chinese. In America, parents take care of their children until they are old enough to take care of themselves. If they get married, they move out of their parent’s house and start their own family. There is a cultural attitude in America that families always help out, so even if you move out, your family is still there to back you up, and you are also responsible for helping take care of your extended family in emergencies. Families frequently gather together for holidays to celebrate together. In the American culture, it is widely believed that once a family member dies, they go on to a better place and no longer need anything we have to offer. Some religions light candles and say prayers for their loved ones, but overall, we leave it in th...