In Betty Friedan’s notable work, “The Feminine Mystique,” she reveals insight into an issue that tormented American ladies during the twentieth century. This problem, which she aptly calls “The Problem That Has No Name,” was a sense of dissatisfaction and yearning that many suburban wives silently suffered from. Amid their household chores, childcare duties, and societal expectations, they questioned if there was more to life than their prescribed roles. For years, women were bombarded with messages of embracing traditional femininity, forsaking dreams of careers and higher education, and finding fulfillment solely in domesticity.
During this period, women were encouraged to focus on being wives and mothers, often giving up their aspirations. The idea of feminine fulfillment was tied to homemaking and child-rearing, reinforcing the belief that this was the highest ambition for women. The pressure to conform led to early marriages, dropping out of college, and underutilizing their potential (Friedan, 157). The assumption was that a lady’s identity was established in her job inside the home, an idea engendered by cultural standards and mainstream society.
Friedan’s work likewise features the development of a socio-cultural phenomenon in the late fifties, where numerous American ladies started working seasonal jobs, basically to help their families’ monetary requirements. Despite this, very few pursued careers or higher education, leading to a waste of untapped brainpower. The prevailing notion of what was considered “feminine” discouraged women from pursuing fields like physics, perpetuating gender stereotypes.
In response to Friedan’s observations, Phyllis Schlafly vehemently opposed the women’s liberation movement, as exemplified in her declaration, “Women Libbers Do Not Speak for Us.” Schlafly argued against women seeking independence, careers, and political rights. She believed that the pursuit of equality would undermine the traditional family structure and, in her view, destabilize society.
Schlafly’s arguments reflected a contrasting perspective, asserting that women’s liberation threatened the stability of families and traditional gender roles. She pushed for a return of the apparent virtues of female family life, proposing that ladies’ essential focus ought to be on their jobs as spouses and moms (Ribieras, 45). Schlafly’s position epitomized resistance to the changing elements of orientation jobs and the difficulties presented by the feminist movement.
On the other hand, “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” is a documentary that resurfaces the buried history of the remarkable women who spearheaded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971 (YouTube, 2019). In many ways, this film is a tangible embodiment of the “Problem That Has No Name” discussed earlier. Directed by Mary Dore, the documentary sheds light on the stories of women like those described by Betty Friedan – women who yearned for something more than the confined roles society imposed upon them.
The film captures the essence of the feminist revolution of that era, showcasing how these women defied societal norms and transformed their struggles into a political movement. Just as Friedan revealed the unspoken dissatisfaction and yearning experienced by suburban housewives, “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” unveils the stories of those who took action and ignited change. These women, often deemed outrageous and considered threats, challenged the status quo and pushed for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Like Friedan’s observation that women were breaking free from the shackles of traditional femininity and seeking greater opportunities, this documentary highlights the fearless endeavors of these women who made a revolution not only in their homes and workplaces but also in the fabric of society. Through their collective efforts, they showcased that “the personal is political,” forever altering the course of history and challenging prevailing notions of womanhood.
In essence, “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” is a poignant visual representation of the critical thinking and analysis prompted by Betty Friedan’s exploration of “The Problem That Has No Name.” It magnifies the voices of those who rebelled against societal expectations and, in doing so, complementarily enriches the narrative of the evolving roles and aspirations of women during that transformative period.
In conclusion, Betty Friedan’s exploration of “The Problem That Has No Name” shed light on the hidden dissatisfaction experienced by many American women in the mid-20th century. The societal pressure for women to find fulfillment solely within domesticity led to yearning and rebellion. Phyllis Schlafly’s opposing stance against women’s liberation demonstrated the clash between traditional gender roles and the evolving desires for equality and independence. These contrasting viewpoints provide insight into the complex societal shifts that were taking place during that era. In parallel, the documentary “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” vividly resurrects the spirit of those transformative years, showcasing the audacious women who turned dissatisfaction into a revolutionary force. Their stories amplify the depth of Friedan’s analysis, revealing the fierce determination that shattered constraints and reshaped societal norms.
Work Cited
Friedan, Betty. “The problem that has no name.” Making sense of women’s lives: An introduction to women’s studies (2000): 151-162.
Ribieras, Amélie. ““Stop Taking Our Privileges”: Phyllis Schlafly’s Narrative of Traditional Womanhood and the Fight for Socioeconomic Hegemony in the 1970s–1980s.” USAbroad–Journal of American History and Politics 4 (2021): 37-50.
YouTube. (2019, December 15). She’s beautiful when she’s angry – full documentary – vo eng + SUB ESP. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB54kDZg5t0
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