Butchered: How Choice Is Mutilated

  

 "The trouble was, I hated the idea of serving men in any way."

-Sylvia Plath, from "The Bell Jar" (1963). 

 

Steren, Grete. Dream No. 24: Surprise. 1949. Museum of Modern Art, https://www.moma.org/artists/36781

 

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    The promise of a subsequent tomorrow was supposed to bring the reign of egalitarianism; where the premature nation stood on the land that vowed a chance of equality for any given identity, these elderly expectations of censorship have stood the test of time. Within the fruition of an auspicious world where women had choices, malicious ignorance has taken measures to blue-pencil the advancements and dedication of rights for all. 

    Not too long ago, we used to be married off at an unnerving age of youth; the exchange of decaying cattle and the riches of land persuaded men to exploit women for his own benefit. Women have always succumbed to the prejudice of being too tumultuous with being emotional; we’ve had the right. Since the beginning of civilization, there has been exceeding expectations (of women) to be dainty as a cunning sparrow while being quiet as a dormouse. For if men heard an opinion that contradicts theirs, the redemption of reputation is unquestionably denied. Even in the shortened time of girlhood, these blossoming vessels of individuality have been shaped by the reprimanding bakers of society, in order to fit the crowning mold of perfection. If we are seemingly exemplary (completely monotonous and blank as a cracked slate), then the questioning of whose hands are bloodied with corruptive authority and power, wouldn’t be voiced. 

    We have always been the subtle whispers, the enchanting iron-motive of inner-heartstrings, in the late-night corridors; these murmurs televised the revolutionary waves of transfixing decibels that seemed to alter the unwritten pages of history. I am Woman, hear me...not? The sole reasoning for such rapid transformation within the twentieth century, were the elements of influence and liberation from the incarceration of simple life. The media soared and suddenly the world of a woman wasn't confined to the chains of the four walls that contained her in the parlor room. She will not be playing the lament of what life could have been any longer.

    Whilst our conspiring for a better change for all women was ablaze, there has been an imprisonment of the eternal blaze that fuels the gears of historic exertions. Men are uneasy when a woman vocalizes the obvious concerns because it reflects the aspects of dialectics and voices a solution to the double standard. Being equal makes man vulnerable; the manipulation of falsities for the commanding position, gives a brief affirmation that He is important. However the lack of resilience is what will destroy Him. What He doesn't understand is that women have always possessed resilience, for it has been the only quality that has maintained the diminishing sanity and character to Her. Our sustenance is cognitive credence and the sworn oath to better the future for the next generation of She's and Her's.

    If there has been absolution for the centuries of suppression, why has the personal autonomy of a woman been butchered by individuals who cannot, and will never, fathom the circumstances of mellowing at the age of eight. From a governmental standpoint, we are nothing but the slabs of meat that seem to tempt and transfix individuals in a state of lust; it has to be our fault...right? The unforgiving force of Life has no remorse for any individual, nor is there any favoring. Every individual has their personal hell. So why do we insulate women with limited parameters of what she can do with her body? Reproduction (in regards to a woman's anatomy), is seen as an ill-starred blessing. Because the life-line of humans depends on the nurturing body of a woman, it is seen as a gift. Because the life-line of humans depends on the nurturing body of a woman, it is seen as an immoral act to terminate a fetus, even given the circumstances of rape or the death of the mother, Herself. Because the life-line of humans depends on the nurturing body of a woman, the plagued mindset of protecting a new life over an existing one seems to be the apocalyptic and exploitative nature of politics.

    What are the threads of women's autonomy and governmental policies that cross over? There are none. What are the threads of women's autonomy and the pushing of religion that cross over? All of the religions' threads ravage the others. As the nominees of candidates for government push the age of newly-considered antiques, the separation of state and Church blur with every forthcoming day. Morality of religion is supposed to guide individuals to a higher state and give limitless motivation to be the best version that could be compared to cleanliness. Which hands does the blood of the Mother's who die with the overturning of liberation to choose, stain when we point fingers and shout morals that no longer have any meaning? Religion shouldn't be pushed in a governmental setting when regarding the personal option of a woman to live her life as she pleases. Those who hold belief, should not judge the decision of an absolute stranger because it doesn't affect them in the slightest. Do not be the butchers who tear the freedom of a woman limb to limb and drain any ounce of voice from Her, just for the mere prize of a few coins or the abused excuse of 'doing the right thing' in your personal fashion. There should be no bloodshed or change in recognition for the women who carry you by your side, all throughout life.

    Women are not the forbidden seeds that stem from the malevolent apple; we are the transforming sanctuaries that possess the vigor to invoke a spirit of radical change, for the better.