Quite some time ago, I read an abridged version of a speech by Virginia Woolf delivered to the National Society for Women's Service. The speech, titled "Professions for Women", is about the hurdles that a (professional) woman of the Victorian age faced - of living up to an ideal.
Society created this image of an Ideal woman, and defined how she should behave as a daughter, wife, mother and woman in society. Woolf calls this ideal as "The Angel in the house", who comes in the way of women who want to develop professionally.
I can reproduce the contents or abstract of that speech here, but I wouldn't be doing justice to the narrative style and skill of the original - so please do read the original.
https://s.spachman.tripod.com/Woolf/professions.htm
I am sure that many would be able to relate to what VW says.
The truth in that speech had a deep impact on me and had me thinking and I realized that we ALL are bound by the concept of an Ideal woman or Ideal man and we strive to live up to these expectations that are often archaic (inappropriate to the times) and romantic than practical. Thus we could make our lives a misery, when we don't achieve that ideal.
Striking a contrast to the above idea was Deepa's recent lovely and nostalgic post, Wait... squeeze the toothpaste... there's more in it!, about her mother, reflecting the life and values of an earlier generation epitomizing this "Angel in the house". Reading that one feels, "Oh, those lovely good old times, when people were good" etc. Nostalgia, is a condition that thrives on FOND recall of past events. Even our despised today is likely to be looked upon nostalgically some 10-15 years later.
This post originally aimed at talking about the obstacles that women face in their lives, but later transformed in something of a general blah. Now, I am not sure if I even want to make a point. Maybe I'm just pointing out different kinds of thought.
But I am eagerly anticipating a whole lot of DPs on this subject from the so many talented writers on this site.
Your thought / comments are EXPLICITLY solicited.
Feel free to agree and disagree with each others' comments also.
<b>Addendum</b>
Shalu's DP on this - Random Thoughts - 6
Subha's YAP :) - Yet another perspective
