Marked

Up until the late twentieth century, women haven't meant much in the US. Perhaps this can be attributed to their virtually nonexistent role in the economy, particularly in its corporate and agricultural divisions. Jobs in these departments were, after all, deemed to be "men's work"; women were simply too "fragile" to meet the demands of urban and rural America, though, ironically, they were expected to bring children into the world (Ehrlich). Granted, the average woman today still can't match the average man in physical strength (though there is a fair share of outliers), but, when given similar opportunities, our intellectual capabilities and degree of self-control should no longer be up for debate.

So why, despite the progress of the last century, are we still "marked" (Tannen)? Is it because most men have always had their rights, and never been criticized? Is society so opposed to change that we must continue to mark women in the way that stereotyping and strict expectations have for so many years? Or have we just internalized past and present beauty standards and become conditioned to judge?

Let's take a look at one of Disney's classics: Sleeping Beauty.

She's unrealistically gorgeous, delicate, and sweet; even the animals love her. But she's totally passive, showing about three emotions throughout the whole movie. In fact, we don't really know anything about her, except that she owes her life completely Prince Charming, whom she has met twice. So what's the message? They'll love you if you're pretty, sweet, and shallow. And in return, you'll be totally provided for! Granted, it's just a children's movie, but is this the kind of girl you'd want your daughter to grow up to be today? Even Zootopia, with its talking animals, offers a more realistic female character. Shouldn't we "mark" this toxic idea of women and "unmark" the flesh-and-blood people who are, at this moment, contributing to society?