Just A Housewife: Therese Carter

This is one of the products of an ongoing project throughout this six weeks (The Monologue Project). I'm going to post other parts of this project also. My project's based off an interview by Studs Terkel: Therese Carter, an American housewife. I created a portfolio to go along with the shortened interview I gave an oral presentation on (COMING SOON). One of the pieces was a historical paper, relating to the context of my interview. Here it is!

Sierra Guequierre

11-14-12

A2

America’s View On Housewives (Women’s Rights): Historical Context Paper

Throughout our history, Americans have struggled for civil rights, religious rights, etc. We are trying to free ourselves from many different prejudices that have been accumulated over time. Every single bias and stereotype affects somebody and needs to be stopped. However, I feel that one of the most important of these struggles is undoubtedly our struggle for women’s rights, and recognizing (not looking down on) the women known as housewives, who are a very important part of our society and possibly the basis upon which it is founded.

More than 90 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was certified. The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote. Today, American women are generally considered equal to men, we have come a long way. Women serve in many important political positions and cast the majority of votes in political elections. However, studies have shown that we still have barriers to overcome. Among other issues, women are twice as likely as men not to have a driver’s license, of all Americans without a license, 70% are women.

Stereotypical housewives are flirty, talkative young women with a skirt, apron and other girly clothing. For example:

I don’t think this stereotypical image is true at all (except the basic style from the 50’s). I think American housewives are women who work hard to make sure their family has a happy and neat home. I think we understate housewives (and women in general) way too much. They are just as important to families as the money maker of a family, perhaps even more important. They are the structure for our society! We need to stop looking down on housewives, and start recognizing them more.