I Will Not Be Hyphenated
Women's liberation started in the West. It was many decades later that women in the East started demanding for equality. We look to our counterparts in the West for guidance, for lessons.Unfortunately we are still backwards in many things. There are still many women here who believe that their sole existance in this world is to find a husband and "serve" him. Be the trophy wife that he seeks, be the amazing and tireless mother to his kids.
However, there is one thing that has never been an issue with Asian women. Adopting your husband's family name after marriage. We don't see Mary Lee becoming Mary Wong or Mary Lee-Wong after marrying Mr Wong. However, in social settings, she is addressed as Mrs Wong, because she IS Mrs Wong. But changing her name? Na'ah.
Of course, I am speaking only for the Malaysian women, the South-east Asian women, and most of the Asian women.
Labels: Musings
3 Comments:
I am so sorry - I put this comment into the wrong post. That's what I get for blogging before I'm fully awake. So what follows belongs HERE:
Women still think that way because they are taught to think that way, by their parents, by their schools and by their religious leaders. It takes a long time for attitudes to change - and it starts with children. Or loud and public protest. And little boys need to be taught that women are the equal of men - not their servants. The King of Saudi Arabia will not change the rules that says women cannot drive, because "it will drive men crazy to see women out in public." And don't even get me started on 'Honor Killings'. What a horrorific concept.
Bravo, Calla. You know I concur.
PS: Lovely new site. :-) Thanks for letting me know, you're very kind.
PPS: In some countries, it's actually the law, Iceel. We don't even need to use Saudi Arabia as example. It's the law in France.
lceel: You are right, this is a vicious cyle which we should break. Alas, in some societies it's easier said than done.
The decision to adopt one's husband's name is an individual decision that is influenced by the culture one is in. It is the norm in some societies but is not in some. I just find it strangely ironic in a patriachal society like most Asian countries, most women do not swap their maiden names for their husband's.
And thanks for dropping by! :D
DC: Nice to have you here! Thanks!
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