Molly Ivins' short story of Texas Women: True Grit and All the Rest, really depict the ridiculous sexist antics in Texas. What she also displays is the typical judgment that is presumed by society of what a women's role in life should be. I find her story to be inspiring and true. Women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton paved the way for women to have equal rights and opportunities as men, but still receive the shorter end of the stick in today's world. Molly states, "It is my belief that it is virulence of Texas sexism that accounts for the strength of Texas women” (Ivins 699). She explains the outrageous struggles women experience throughout Texas just trying to be accepted by its sexist society. After reading her story, I was very appalled and displeased that I am living in such a chauvinistic state.
Women should be allowed to speak their mind, and get enough respect as men.[1]
I am so infuriated that women are still in a battle to win society over in approval. The media portrays women by being self absorbed, weak bimbos that lack education and is only good for house duties, nurturing, and sex. It is even bad enough to the point where other women belittle other women. “It’s your basic, familiar virgin/whore dichotomy---either your “Good-Hearted Woman” or “Your Cheatin’ Heart…”(Ivins 699) the author remarks as she displays the typical judgmental accusations of the lifestyle of a woman. It seems so impossible that a woman can live a happy successful life without someone talking crap or feel intimidated by her just because of her gender.
One of the fliers the Texas Civil Justice League created. [2]
Recently in May, the Texas Civil Justice League released a sexist flier of a child being breast fed by condemning a “nanny state” that was created for an insurance related bill. According to a political article by Karen Brooks, Democratic Representative Senfronia Thompson of Houston fired back in response to the fliers by stating, "If they (the creators of the fliers) were here, I'd probably bloody their nose right here on this floor, I guarantee it"(Brooks). The statement Representative Thompson made was very agile and assertive and I loved every bit of her speech. I enjoyed it because you typically do not hear such riveting language from a reserved woman of politics. Representative Thompson stands up for what she believes in, and she shows the public that she is not afraid to show what she is made of.
Video of Representative Sonfronia Thompson's inspirational speech.[3]
What I also find moving is that within watching the video of the speech, I found that both democratic and republican women stood behind Representative Thompson’s back and supported her one hundred percent. As her anger proceeds she passionately exclaims, “They have no right to do women this way, and we have not earned this disrespect in this House," she said, voice breaking with emotion. "We get elected just like you do, and we have not earned this kind of disrespect. And men, if you don't stand up for us today, don't you walk in this chamber tomorrow” (Brooks). The inspirational speech Representative Senfronia Thompson made sends chills down my spine because I could feel her rage, and savored her words of passion. She depicts that women work just as hard as men and has possible qualifications to do just that. Both Representative Thompson and Molly Ivins are two prime sources of women empowerment; they encourage me to achieve my goals in life and to celebrate womanhood. Molly Ivins comments, “Mostly Texas women are tough in some very fundamental ways. Not unfeminine, nor necessarily unladylike, just tough” (Ivins 703). I agree with Molly, I believe women are kick-ass superheroes that can achieve their accomplishments and goals through every trial and tribulation, without breaking a nail or sweat.
1. Brooks, Karen. "[Updated] House Women Slam Fliers by Activist Group". Dallas News. 26 May 2011. Web. 06 December 2011.<http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/05/house-women-slam-disgusting-fl.html>.
2. Ivins, Molly. "Texas Women: True Grit And All The Rest". Lone Star Literature: from the Red River to the Rio Grande. Ed. Don Graham. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2003. 699-703. Print.
Image Sources (in alphabetical order):
1. Brooks, Karen. "[Updated] House Women Slam Fliers by Activist Group". Dallas News. 26 May 2011. Web. 06 December 2011.<http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/05/house-women-slam-disgusting-fl.html>.
2. Hamels, Laurent. Woman with tape over her mouth, close-up, blurred. n.d. Colourbox. 06 December 2011. <http://www.colourbox.com/media/1543660>.
Video Sources:
1. "House Floor-Rep. Thompson on Disrespect to Women". 26 May 2011. Youtube. Web. 06 December 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKf-6WiBq_Q&feature=player_embedded>.
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