The 21st Century New Woman

 Emma Goldman's "Marriage" presents the audience with the vastly different ways in which men and women are to be presented and viewed by the rest of society. For example, men are to be seen as the dominant beings - individuals who are judged based upon their intellect and overall success in the business world. On the other hand, women are to be viewed solely in the domestic sphere - simply, submissive beings who are to solely focus on their outward appearance, as that what society tells them is what is most important. For example, the text states, "... the boy is taught to be intelligent, bright, clever, strong, athletic, independent and self reliant [...] The girl has been taught to dress, to stand before the looking glass and admire herself" (Goldman, 270). In saying this, Goldman's piece greatly highlights the longstanding societal norms placed upon both men and women. While Goldman's piece is progressive on it's own, I feel as though such words can only hold true power when they are put into action.

    In light of Goldman's text, a modern day representation of the New Woman is Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon. For example, the movie follows main character, Elle Woods, as she pursues a law degree at Harvard University. With this being said, while Elle originally applied to the program to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner, she soon transitions her focus to simply proving herself in the classroom. In light of this change of mind, the film thus transitions from Elle's pursuits of Warner, to her devotion to her law degree. In saying this, Elle's character goes beyond the longstanding societal belief of women, as posed by Emma Goldman, by proving herself as an intellectual being worthy of the same respect as her male counterparts.