Gender Criticism
Gender Criticism
Gender Criticism
Gender Criticism
On June 1st, 1993 Princess Diana attended a conference for mental health
Health,” which, at the most superficial level, highlights the realities of psychological
attention the oppressive impact certain norms and practices our patriarchal society
has on the well being of women. I will be using the method of feminist criticism to
examine this speech. I will be examining the extent to which this speech persuades
and informs the audience of the adverse impact our society has on women’s health.
To do this, I am going to identify the different rhetorical strategies that are used to
shed light on the plight women endure in today’s world and their overall
As Karlyn Campbell said, the main problem within our society can be linked to
sexual equality, “…we dispense forever with the notion that men are male humans,
whereas women are human females, a notion enshrined in the familiar phrase, ‘I now
pronounce you man and wife.’” (564). Princess Diana highlighted this fact by
discussing that women in our society are delegated the role of caretaker. Women are
despite the unreasonable nature of demands, and the state of their own well-being.
As Princess Diana said, women are expected to simply cope with whatever
situation is thrown at them. “On call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week,
whether their children are sick, their husbands are out of work or their parents are
old and frail and need attending – they will cope…they may be suffering
themselves…--but they will cope” (Diana, 2). By using the phrase “they will cope”
recurrently, she reiterates the fact that women are expected to deal without
society, and are expected to perform these roles without frustration or difficulty.
Princess Diana also is referring to things that even she may endure she creates
create a relationship with the audience (565). Princess Diana does an excellent job of
relating to her audience and creating shared feelings and experiences. She creates
awareness through these experiences and helps other women realize they are not
alone, and the feelings and problems are shared among all females, because of the
In Campbell’s work, she talks about the difference between success for men
and success for women. “Success for men is defined as instrumental, productive
labor in the outside world whereas ‘wives’ are confined to ‘woman’s place’ – child
care and domestic labor” (564). She talks about how as long as these definitions are
in place; women who strive to achieve success outside the home are looked down
they should only do things that are thought to benefit their family even if
these women are 'damaged' in the process; if they feel they never have the
Lauren Cadotte 12/4/10
Gender Criticism
right to do anything that is just for themselves; if they feel they must
sacrifice everything for their loved ones even at the cost of their health. (15)
Princess Diana discusses the issues that are created when making women believe
they should be only working the home. Women are forced to stay at home and care
for the children. As Campbell stated, “the girl who maintains qualities of
independence and active striving necessary for intellectual mastery defies the
conventions of sex appropriate behavior and must pay a price, a price in anxiety
(564). If a woman strives for success in the outside world, her mental health is at
stake, Just like Princess Diana was saying. She does a good job of talking about the
roles of women as opposed to the roles of men, and the sickness that trying to
As you have read, and as Princess Diana, and also Karlyn Campbell reiterated,
caregivers, and often not even given the option to succeed out of the home. Princess
Diana does a good job of discussing the woman’s role at home, and the repercussions
that occur from living in a male-dominated world. Women are expected to do it all,
and be happy while doing it. As she stated, this causes a lot of mental health issues
for women. She does a good job of inviting the audience into her life, and relating to
them. She creates awareness through shared experiences, which was one of the
main stylistic features Campbell talks about. Princess Diana also talks about the
difference of success between men and women, just as Campbell did. She makes it
very apparent that women cannot compete on equal terms as men, nor are they
“allowed” too. In our patriarchal society, women are not equal to men. And as
Princess Diana stated, “we as a society owe it to women to create a truly supportive
environment in which they too can grow and move forward” (17). Until
Equality occurs, on all levels, rhetoric directed at women will always differ than any
Works Cited