"womanly duties"

The other day I was at a party with my roommate and we were talking about the dinner we had the other night with my brother and his roommate.  We had made plenty of food and knew we couldn't eat it all, so we decided to invite them over.  One of my male friends asked when we were going to cook for him.  He then proceeded to say that I could perform my "womanly duties" in the kitchen.  I know he was saying it in a joking manner, but it still helps me to realize the gender roles that society expects.  I don't see cooking as a "womanly duty" and I know that men can cook as well.  I grew up with my dad making dinner every night because my mother used to work from 2pm-10pm.  There are also many cooks and chefs that are males; I personally know some and they are shown on TV shows such as "Cake Boss."   I think that gender roles are something society should get over.  It's 2010 and times are changing women no longer are being confined to the house and doing the cooking, cleaning, and child rearing.  Some women still do, yes, however now women are getting an education and they are pursuing careers.   They may both have a career and still do all that stuff, but we are starting to see men involve themselves around the house.  Men are no longer just the "breadwinners" while the women are the housewives.  I just want society to get rid of the stereotypes. 

Debrahlee Lorenzana

     Debrahlee Lorenzana was fired for wearing outfits that were "too distracting" for male coworkers.  She was an employee at Citibank and is now suing them for sexual harassment.  She claims she was moved to a spot that was out of the way after filing complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace.  She was unable to lure in new clients and was fired a month later.  Debrahlee has been on talk shows such as "The Early Show" and has had several interviews.  She now is getting offers from reality TV shows and modeling for magazines, such as Playboy.  Debrahlee has turned these offers down; she said, "If people in the future still remember my name, I want to be remembered as a woman who stood up for her rights."

     I think that it is great that she is standing up for her rights as a woman.  There are many women that brush off sexual harassment or are too scared to do anything about it.  It is a serious issue, especially in the workplace.  Women don't want to lose their jobs, so they don't stand up for their rights.  It is my hope that women see Debrahlee Lorenzana as a role model and find the courage to fight for what is right.    


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2010/09/26/2010-09-26_sexy_banker_debrahlee_lorenzana_has_no_interest_in_fame_playboy__just_wants_to_b.html#ixzz10kulNiPG