op·pres·sion [uh-presh-uhn]
noun
1. the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.
4. the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.
This article was short but full of information. How could you NOT google the word oppression immediately after reading it? At least dictionary.com could give me a better understanding of the word ;). Marilyn Frye is obviously a strong writer and brings up great points about oppression in both men and women. Clearly in the 4 paged article, the most common and discussed part is about the man holding the door open for a woman. I think that women are 100% capable of opening a door for themselves. Today especially, there are SO many strong willed, independent women who would LOVE to open their own door. On the other hand, my deceased grandparents would be appalled if my significant other/ date DIDN'T open the door walking into some place or the car door for me every single time. It doesn't mean that "women are incapable", as she says on page 177. In my argument, I just think it's apart of the man's nature to be a "gentleman" and do something sweet and simple such as open a door for a lady. She also briefly talks about the root of the word oppression being stemmed from the element "press". This leads into her debate about young girls being sexually active or inactive and how the people around her treat both kinds of young women. Frye talks about the PRESSure of young girls holding back from heterosexual activity and how men would treat a virgin compared to how they would treat a "slut". But WHY does a woman have to be considered a slut just because she engages in sexual activities or because of the way she dresses?!? The pressures of being a "cocktease" or a "loose whore" should only be debated and judged by the woman herself. I came across this article talking about how men oppress women and arguing the same points as Frye.
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