Reaction to What I've Learned From Men by Barbara Ehrenreich

        This essay is one of many that highlights the differences of men and women, and the on-going power struggle of the sexes. Here, Ehrenreich states that if there must be one thing women need to learn from men, it is how to be tough, assertive and authoritative. Women have been born and bred to be the nicer and more passive of the two sexes throughout history. It is just how things are. However, Ehrenreich rejects this kind of manner imposed on women. She says women have every right to act like men, and do not have to assert more effort to get what they deserve or what is due them.

       I agree on Ehreneich's points that women are somewhat expected to be more demure and ladylike, this often causes problems for women. Because of their inherent nature, women have to exert more effort to be recognized and praised for their achievements and accomplishments. The inferiority and weakness associated with this sex must be overcome in order for women to have equal treatment and equal chances as any man has. Unfortunately, history has been unkind to women; therefore they have a lot of work to do before these biases will no longer be a hindrance to women in the society.

        I disagree, however, women need to be just like men in order to succeed and be recognized in society. Women can be just as demure and ladylike as they are now, but still have influence over people. the term "silent but deadly" comes to mind when I think of how women use their intelligence and subtle influence on men (and other women). Surely, women do not need to throw tantrums or break objects to be noticed. Men can do what they do best, and so can women. There is a different kind of power and authority within each sex and people just need to learn how to channel that power to achieve what they want.

        On the different note, I also noticed the writing style of the author. I felt that she was able to write in such a way that her passion and assertiveness can be heard in her writing. She added a touch of personality in what would have been another ordinary feminist essay. Her examples and narratives in the text were very relatable and modern in the sense that people can picture the scenes happening in their society. This use of language made the essay more influential and closer to home.