The Value of a Woman

Growing up in the 21st Century, I have not been subjected to gender discrimination from the opposite sex. The occasional comments from my male friends does not even come close to what women had to face decades centuries ago. I'm not sure if it's stupidity or a biological trait men possess, but they have an authoritative demeanor about them when it comes to women. As a young woman, it is nice to know that the opposite sex believe that it is their duty to take care of the women. But that duty comes with some boundaries; it does not give men the excuse to physically and mentally abuse women.

History has established the roles of both sexes as "bread-winner husband" and "home-maker wife." But in some places, the discrimination doesn't stop there; it starts from the birth of a female child. In places like China and Japan, female babies are killed because of their gender. Manuel Gamio's novel Life Story of the Mexican Immigrant describes that in the Mexican culture "neighbors congratulated...parents for having another strong boy, one that would, as he grew older, certainly improve the family’s economic situation." It was as if females weren’t capable enough to help their family succeed in the future and that they were not expected to succeed at all. The value of a son being more important than the value of a daughter is also expressed in the story of Swallow. Chapter One: The Sale describes how Swallow was sold off by her family because of lack of food any money. Whenever the family was on the line of starvation, they gave in to a cruel practice that existed in their society. 'To save our sons we must sacrifice our daugther,' said Swallow's mother (1006). It is ironic that a mother would say such a thing regarding her daughter, but that's the mentality of some people due to the society they live in. The story of Swallow has a deeper meaning than a young woman being sold off by her parents; it shows the strength of a young woman who would the best of her unpredictable situation.

The typical view of a woman staying at home and taking care of her family is exactly what she does but it does not define her. Since the times have changed and the traditional family has changed, women have been able to take on additional roles such as head of the household and successful career woman. But ever decision she makes is for the best of her family. At age eighteen Swallow possessed this trait. The second verse of the song she sang when she realized she was going to be sold went as follows: That others may eat,

'Tis I must pay;

That others may prosper,

'Tis I must go. (1006)

She was willing to accept that giving up her life was the best for her family. She really did not have a choice about being sold, but it was her decision of how to deal with the situation. This a great example of what women do all of the time for their families, make sacrifices. Their sacrifices are mistaken as "a woman's role," but the truth of the matter is if she doesn't do it then it won't get done.

A woman's role as cleaning the house and taking care of the family does not determine her value. The value of a woman is a priceless because her actions are natural and in the best interest of her family.