Essay on Double Standards in The Taming of the Shrew :: Taming Shrew Essays

Double Standards in The Taming of the Shrew    A very prominent theme in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew is society's double standards of men and women. In the play, Katherina is a very free-willed, independent woman who wishes to follow her own path in life and is not dependent on a man for her happiness. Petruchio is also free-willed, independent and speaks his mind freely. However, where Petruchio is praised for these characteristics, Katherina is scorned and called names. Petruchio is manly and Katherina is bitchy for the same traits.    This is seen in popular cultural too often than is comfortable for such an advanced modern culture as ours. Women who are ambitious are seen as bitchy and conniving while men are seen as ambitious. Examples can be found in politics and entertainment. Prominent figures such as Senator Hillary Rodham-Clinton and former Attorney General Janet Reno, were forced to take a more masculine persona, because people were so threatened by their power. Senator Clinton was always seen as a woman to be watched, just because she wanted her own life while her husband governed the country. She was even criticized for keeping her maiden name instead of dropping it in lieu of the traditional husband's name.    In the entertainment industry stereotypes of what women should be. Women of power like Oprah Winfrey are found threatening to this. Rosie O'Donnell was chastised for proclaiming her political views on her television show. When she stated her opinion about gun control to prominent NRA advocate Tom Selleck she was considered bitchy for stating her opinion, even though he did the same thing. On the television show, ER, Kerry Wheeler is considered a bitch for being a strong character and boss, while her co-worker, Mark Green can be equally headstrong and difficult but is considered determined. Comedian Roseanne has always been ridiculed for being brash with her opinions, where male comedians like Chris Rock are hailed. When a woman may celebrate her sexuality and be open with it, she will be called a slut, but if a man sleeps around he can still be a hero - President John F. Kennedy and Wilt Chamberlain, a few examples.    When you use the word feminine you naturally think of demure, quiet, pretty, pastel, and motherly. Strong, ambitious, athletic, powerful and opinionated never come to mind. And, it seems, because the woman is not to speak up for herself it is okay to say hurtful things in front of them.