Women
are called "the weak sex" by society because women are physically weaker,
emotionally weaker than men. However, let us take time to think---Are
women really weaker than men?
The
answer is"No!" In Chinese history, there is a very well-known story Mulan.
She was an absolutely extraordinary woman. She lived about 1300 years
ago. Once a foreign ethnic group invaded the border of China. The situation
was so pressing that it seemed every man had to be enlisted in the army.
Therefore, Mulan's father's name was on the list. Mulan was so anxious
and sad at this news. Father was very old and frail, how could he be a
soilder?
He
would have no chance to come back alive. Mulan did not have an older brother,
otherwise he could replace father to fight. Mulan thought about this every
day. In the end, she made a fearless and astonishing decision--to replace
father to fight. For obvious reasons, she had to conceal her female identity
and dressed like a man. Thus, she spent her golden age in the cold, hazardrous
battle field. During these three years, Mulan's army friends never found
out this good-looking "boy" was actually a young lady. Finally all the
enemies were defeated and driven back to their own territory. Now it was
time for every solider to go home. Mulan's army friends told her they
would visit her soon.
When
they came to her door, to their great surprise, they were greeted by a
very beautiful girl and SHE was Mulan. They were so stunned! Soon, Mulan's
amazing story spreaded everywhere in the country. She was therefore greatly
appreciated and awarded by the emperor. From then on, her name was always
praised and glorified. She was deeply admired for her extraordinary courage.
Her story is like pleasant fresh air and was written into poems so that
her heroic name can be remembered forever!
There
are many operas and TV shows based on her story. Today in China, there
are many women riding petite motorcycles which has a brandname "Mulan"!
Even American audience love the Disney Cartoon Mulan! Mulan's story is
a brilliant example of women's wisdom, courage and success. Throughout
history, women were the silent and subordinate roles of the society. Men
dominated the world and also the families. Women had endless housework
and heavy duties on their shoulder. Author Scott Russel Sanders said in
his essay:"
I could
see how exhausting it was for a mother to cater all day to the needs of
young children." Needless to say that women also had many other chores
to do besides catering the kids! Women had no right to make decisions
or speak up for their rights. In ancient China, women had to bond their
feet ever since they were babies because they are not allowed to show
their feet. If they did not do that, they would never be able to find
a husband. Small feet were considered by some cruel men beautiful. To
these wretched women, it meant enormous physical and spiritual torment!
At
that time, if a husband wanted to divorce his wife, he could just write
this on a piece of paper. Then his wife must go back to her own parents'
home, holding this piece of paper, weeping along the way. She had no right
to argue with him. All these wretched things are too sad to hear. Author
Scott Russel Sanders wrote in his essay " I did learn about the wretchedness
of abandoned wives, single mothers, widows;" Today's world is very different.
Throughout the globe, women's life is much better. This is achieved by
many years' persistent struggle. Women has won equality with men in many
areas and are better represented in govenment bodies.
Women
are playing a more and more important role in various fields of the society.
It is so inspiriting so hear and see those accomplished female national
leaders, scientists, professors, lawyers, writers,etc. Last but not least,
Women are highly respected for their holy and wonderful responsibilities
as wives and mothers. Women are the beautiful sex, like flowers, like
the moon. Women do not need to depend on others to make themselves feel
worthy and happy. Women can be successful by working, learning and achieving.
History has already proved this. Women are strong.
