"It is probably true to say that the largest scope for change still lies in men's attitude to women, and in women's attitude to themselves." ~ Vera Brittain
I believe that Nick Joaquin's Summer Solstice conveyed a strong message about feminism. I, for one, was amazed on how Doña Lupeng changed from being formal lady into an empowered woman. By "formal lady" I meant a woman who is bound to follow patriarchal etiquette.
But I was appalled on how the women in the story thrashed men during the feast of the Tadtarin. I find it abusive.
Feminism is not implying that all men are evil. I believe that feminism is about helping women realize that they are worth a million treasures. And asserting gender equality in today's society.
The story sparked some sense in me to think that maybe it's not too late to break down the patriarchal hegemony in our society and hopefully change the status quo.
We have been domesticated throughout history. Women used to be on top of the society before we were colonized. The line from the story that captivated my attention was "Queens before Kings; Priestess before Priest; and the Moon before the Sun". But because of the foreign invasion, we lost sight of our own culture and adapted a new culture. Women turned from being the ruler into a slave and sank to the bottom level of our society.
Was Nick Joaquin a feminist or was he just showing that every woman hides her own demons? I still haven't figured it out yet but that's the perks of literature, you can interpret a story in any way you want.
Today, women empowerment has been spread throughout the globe but women are still not commonly acknowledged in various fields of society. It may take time for us, women, to be in par with men but I believe that someday we'll achieve the equality we've all been longing for.
A women is strong. She can heal a broken heart with just two hands. She is hurt when she knows her friend is sad. She can work 18 hours straight and does not take "No" for an answer when she knows better things can be done. She cries when she's happy and laughs even when things are falling apart. She sees the good side of every person.
But she forgets what she is worth.
This piece gives the readers a very clear image on what the writer is fighting for, and that the writer herself regards and holds her views strongly. Organization of thoughts creates momentum (which I rarely find in narratives in the first person). Very expressive.
TumugonBurahin-Frau M
Very interesting kind of piece. Especially now that patriarchy is still apparent in the society. Now, more than ever, should start emancipating themselves to the chains.
TumugonBurahinThis blog post reveals the writer's personality. I give my full credit to her for recognizing and valuing women's worth in everyone's mind. As the saying goes, "In every man's success is a woman behind".
TumugonBurahinFriendly correction: Last paragraph "A women is strong." --> "A woman is strong".
Naalis ng may-ari ang komentong ito.
TumugonBurahin"Feminism is not implying that all men are evil. I believe that feminism is about helping women realize that they are worth a million treasures."
TumugonBurahinI agree with you in this belief. Feminism should not be fought by degrading the other sex. Doing so would create another kind of hegemony that could culminate to another debate and fight. Feminism should, therefore, invite women to free themselves from societal norms and see their real worth.
Thank you for this article Mel! I loved your inclusion of quotes and pictures (especially of the picture of Ellen Page because I like her movies)
TumugonBurahinWhat you said about the foreign invasion altering our culture is true. Ma'am Bebot discussed this on my Soc. Sci. 5 class with her. Your statement is backed by the study she conducted.
Your article reminded me of the stigma associated with the word 'feminism'. Feminism is shunned as if it's just about upholding the rights of women. What some people don't realize is that men are also included in this doctrine / movement because they are also subjected to somehow unrealistic standards of masculinity. I hope you also write an article about that. I would love to read more from you.