A Woman in America

Many women in today’s modern, American society are able to say that they have gained much more equality over the centuries.  However, even though many American women are proud to have gained rights, it makes me wonder about other women in third world countries who have not been able to gain equality.  Since I have only really experienced growing up as a female in America where I do have rights and do not have to be afraid to speak what I feel or believe, I cannot help but think “How far have women really come throughout the entire world?”  I know that many third world countries still oppress women severely just because it has always been part of their culture or religion and they are not willing to change their ways.  For some reason they feel it is better to keep them from knowledge and expressing their opinion but refuse to see how much it hurts a society, and since women do not have any rights they cannot stand up for themselves without being retaliated against.  I know that in The Awakening and A Doll’s House, Edna and Nora are oppressed, but yet they are still able to take a stand and speak their minds without the fear of being assaulted or hurt.  Also, I know that especially Nora is kept from education and knowing anything that could possibly cause her stress, and although she does secretly know, she has to pretend to be oblivious to it to keep her husband happy.  Personally, although I cannot identify myself as a die hart feminist, after learning how far women in America have come and personally knowing women who have escaped their abusive husbands in Afghanistan, I do not feel that my life here in America as a young woman is really all that terrible.  I know that there is always room to grow and make improvements, but I realize that at least I am able to go to school every day without a fear of acid being poured on my face while I sleep.  Additionally, having many relatives who have served in the military and seen the horrid things that happen to girls, I am always reminded to be grateful to have had the opportunity to grow up as a girl in America without nearly as many fears as those in third world countries.