The Kitchen Rebellion

“If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” -
Abigail Adams, Former US First Lady
In the book “The Animal Farm,” George Orwell wrote about the peculiar human phenomenon of rebellion. The animals led by the pigs rebelled against the Manor Farm and their human master, Mr. Jones. These animals rebelled because they wanted equality, or more appropriately, equality with human beings. In the end, they were able to attain victory and decided to run the farm all by themselves.
Today, there is a rebellion that is heating up much like what the animal characters conspired to do in the said book. This uprising is the “rebellion of women” in society. Today's sexist society has limited women by confining them within the bounds of the kitchen, beauty pageants, and prostitution. These women are often abused physically and are often the butt of many jokes. Society, men in particular, have had their share of nasty jokes pertaining to women.
The society that is dominated by men practices double-standards when it comes to women. For example, if a woman gets drunk and gets raped, she is to be blamed because she asked for it. The women is to be blamed and not the man who cannot and did not even try to control his libido. A wrong deed is wrong no matter how beautiful we present it. In culture, the self-esteem of the typical male is defined by his trophies—the women he has gone to bed with. The females, on the other hand, are defined by their virginal virtues. Perhaps, calling for equality between men and women is not too much to ask.
According to reports, violence against young girls and women is a major human rights and health concern. Physical, sexual, and psychological abuse takes place in the family, and in the general community. These may include battering, sexual abuse of children, rape and other practices degrading to women. It added that domestic violence is the most common form of violence that is linked to gender. Studies reveal that rape of women, whether attempted or consummated, is mostly perpetrated by a male intimate partner or former-partner. This form of sexual crime and abuse leads to stress and anxiety in the lives of women. The epidemic of sexual abuse had become so alarming that even celebrities had to take a stand to protect the rights of women. One such celebrity was the late Princess Diana, who as some would say, had become an advocate for women's rights and an inspiration to many abused women..including the the sick, the discriminated, and the homeless. She left a legacy that will be remembered for a lifetime. Her life became a channel through which coping with anxiety for women had become easier. Her compassion and good heart made her more beautiful in the eyes of the world. Sadly, she died almost ten years ago without seeing the wide acceptance of women's rights as a cause.
In George Orwell's book, the death of “Old Major” was used to convey the lesson about the perils of rebellion. He was well-respected by the farm animals because of his knowledge and wisdom. In the story, Old Major died three days after sharing his vision and teaching to the farm animal. His death became an inspiration to the farm revolution where the animals won.
Maybe the death of Princess Diana will be the spark of this revolution of women. The revolution that would free them of bounds of the kitchen, beauty pageants, prostitution, and abuse. The true essence of a woman will not be measured by her virginal values, her beautiful face, or the physique she displays. The true essence of a woman is her ability to share her love to others and the society she lives in. Women need not to be conformed to beauty contests or the kitchen. The kitchen rebellion will take place. And it will succeed.