Women in Orwell's Burmese Days
As a woman in the 20th Century, I feel the need to fit into certain molds that society chooses. Through the continued exposure to television, magazines, and other forms of media, I, along with others, feel the pressure to be what society wants me to be. For example, the media is not shy when revealing the "ideal figure" that they believe every woman should have. Indeed, 36-24-36 is a sign of our time, being portrayed everywhere from billboards to sitcoms. If a woman obtains a perfect figure, she feels good about herself, and society generally reflects it positively as well; studies have shown that overweight people are often mistreated while those of us who are "beautiful" are hired, given breaks, etc. However, when a woman loses the "ideal," she could quite possibly be subject to many cruel comments concerning her weight. People judge her, wondering why she is not still thin. Although the above is a hypothetical situation, it is safe to conclude that it has occurred. Consequently, the women in Burmese Days face the same kind of struggles. Their culture also puts certain expectations on them, which they are obligated to fulfill in one way or another. Stereotyped by society, Elizabeth, Mrs. Lackersteen, and Ma Hla May a
Mrs. Lackersteen, being the wife of one of the only white men in all of Kyauktada, also has a certain amount of power. Like Elizabeth, she is white, which gives her dominance over all the natives. It is also suggested that by being the wife of an esteemed European, she has influence on her husband's decisions. "U Po Kyin had even sent one of his anonymous letters to Mrs. Lackersteen, for he knew the power of European women." (137) Indeed, even the dishonorable U Po Kyin himself confided in his wife, telling her of his evil plans. "U Po Kyin usually let Ma Kin into his secrets sooner or later..." (135) Wives during this time, although not directly included in decision making, often made their presence felt in the only way they were able, by talking their opinions into their husbands. Mrs. Lackersteen's comfort came in knowing that she would be well provided for, that she would live in the best possible conditions in Burma. She was also secure in her position of a white woman in a world of "inferiors." Society offered her nothing more than a subordinate role at the club and tennis in the evenings. Nevertheless, she held the position of a European woman with all of the dignity that was expected. In fact, Ma Kin, the wife of U Po Kyin, looked upon the company of Mrs. Lackersteen and the other English ladies as some sort of dazzling prize. To have native women thinking of one's fellowship in this way is empowering. But the solitary reason for the natives' feelings towards the Club members was the fact that they were white; color of skin gives power to people. The women in Burmese Days were not necessarily aware of their positions. Like many women in today's culture, they merely saw what society gave them and then accepted it. Just as a woman today readily accepts the fact that she needs to have a perfect body, so do Elizabeth, Mrs. Lackersteen, and Ma Hla May accept their roles that the Burmese colony has put forth for them. None of them ever question whether they are being wronged or not. By today's standards, Ma Hla May was discriminated against, and Elizabeth was possibly taken advantage of. However, no one was there in the early 1900's to call the shots and say what was right or wrong. We are all painful reminders that society and culture produce strangely unquestioning results. Indeed, sleeping with Flory did empower Ma Hla May. It put her in a position above that of her fellow Burmese women. Although Ma Hla May did not have any higher standing with Europeans because of her position, it empowered her as an individual as well as among the group wit
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1745
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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