Women in the Past

Women in the past

From recent readings in my history textbooks, I learned that there really is much that we can learn from our ancestors. Especially enlightening to me was my readings of a certain section called "Women in Classical Societies." Although I may be highly criticized for this, I feel it my duty to express my opinion that these ancient societies got it right with women.

My first lesson came from the Chinese. They understood the true value of a woman: to serve her husband. The husband, of course, is also left with responsibility: to create an atmosphere in which his wife could serve him. Think how much more orderly our society would be if we just adhered to this basic principle.

Next, it was the Romans' turn to further enlighten me. They spoke of the danger of giving women too much power, and gave the wise insight that "it is for the weaker sex to submit to whatever you [the man] advise." So I call on all to consider these important messages from our ancestors long gone, and help bring our society up to the level that it once held.

Anonymous

Midway

(Daily Universe, February 10, 2006, "Letters to the Editor")

The woman's view

While my gut reaction to Anonynous's letter ("Women in the past," Feb. 10) was to find him and beat him, I decided that was a bit knee jerk. So in honor of the principle of discussion over violence, I'd like to offer him some advice. When you've finished reading articles about the place of women written by men, please sample the other side, articles about the place of women written by women who lived through those dark times. I suggest starting with Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and reconsidering whether you feel comfortable