Double Standard of Sexuality : Week of 10.18
This weeks conversations and readings on women's rights had me on the edge of my seat. I especially liked the memoir of Catalina de Erauso, Lieutenant Nun. This biological woman decided to live her life on the run and as a man in ordered to gain the freedoms that a man had during this time. They escaped a pre-planned convent life, and dressed as a man and traveled the world. I really focused however on the construct of sexuality and virginity in colonial Spain. I found Erauso's aversion to men and suppressed sexual urges towards women very interesting. They knew that remaining a virgin and guarding their maidenhood could save their life someday, and in fact it did. When they had finally used their woman identity to save themselves from dyeing, it served more than expected. When having a meeting with the King of Spain and the Pope, Erauso revealed that she was still a virgin. This virginity allowed for their crimes to be forgiven and the permission was given for them to continue to dress as a man. The act of sex is such a taboo that the past, and even todays society, holds the idea of virginity way to high. It should be a choice of a woman to decide, and it should not be based on the church to decide if she is ready for sex yet. I also believe that the double standard that regards male and women sexuality's is very crossed. A man is encouraged to have sexual relations before marriage, but if a woman does it is extremely dangerous and she gets shamed. Sexuality and virginity should be a choice and not restricted by society.
Thank you, Illy, for your post. I find your comments on Erauso's memoir very interesting. I especially like wha you write about "the construct of sexuality and virginity in colonial Spain" (although, I suppose you mean colonial Latin America). Indeed, the fact that Erauso was able to use her virginity to her advantage is an indication of the value colonial society placed on controlling women's sexual behavior. It also illustrates how what could be seen as a way of conforming to the social norms was in reality a form of resistance.
ReplyDelete