Womens Equality in the 1960s

Table of Contents

Introduction
Controversy and Messages
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

In Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? Carol Oates presents a story of a 15-year-old Connie, who has poor relationships with her mother and sister. The girl began to spend more time in front of the mirror and giggled constantly. Such incomprehensible and joyful sensations of admiration for herself consumed her as she wanted to please everyone, especially boys. The topic of womens equality is discussed through the focus on the patriarchal domination and gender stereotypes, which placed women in a controversial position when they wanted equality but also were discouraged from pursuing it by society.

Controversy and Messages

In the 20th century, women were under the power of men, who were dominant in all the spheres of life. Oates stresses a lack of men in the life of Connie: there were no brothers and other male relatives. The father is described as away at work most of the time, and when he came home, he wanted supper and he read the newspaper at supper, and after supper, he went to bed (Oates). However, Connie strives to receive her fathers attention as if wanting male dominance that was accepted as a norm in society.

Having no masculine guidance, Connie becomes a victim of Arnold Friend, who asks her to join him to take a ride in his car. The image of this man is generalized by the author to emphasize masculine power: all the rest of them (Oates 317). The story shows the typical female role of sub-ordinance, which resulted from their exploitation. The attempts to overcome such a subordinate position were met with violence from men, which often was expressed in rape or even demise.

At the same time, some females made attempts to distinguish themselves from those who were silent and submissive. Connie decided to lead a double life, being seemingly innocent at her home and more aggressive and provocative. For example, she wore a pull-over jersey blouse that looked one way at home and another way when she was away from home (Oates). Clothing as a way of expressing oneself is one of the most effective strategies for a persons identification. In other words, the author wanted to deliver a message that the main character started to understand that she wants more than just being a plain and dutiful woman.

Reading the novel Where are You Going, Where Have You Been? the reader feels something depressing, strange, and fearful. In the writing style of Stephen King, Oates unfolds the narrative of her story, for example, Connies laugh is described as high-pitched and nervous. One weekend, Connie is left alone at home, and a car is driving up to her lawn, in which two adult males are sitting. Why is one of them looking so closely at her and asking her to ride with him? Why does Connie, so desperate for him to lag behind her, start to agree, begin to obey, and give in to his cherished voice? On the one hand, the main character seems to agree and take a ride as the entire society praises obedience to males. On the other hand, she tries to have attention, recognition, and an equal right to dominate in society.

Conclusion

To conclude, Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? is a novel that depicts the American societal ideals of the 20th century that placed males over females. The controversy of the struggle for womens equal rights was associated with mens authority that was perceived as the only possible and correct system, and women also praised their resigned position. Connie, who tried to distinguish herself from other females, was condemned by her plain mother and sister. Today, this story shows that change in the system and the establishment of equal rights require being aware of discrimination drawbacks and promoting consciousness among those who are placed beneath a dominant group.