Trees have been considered symbols of fertility or having a subconscious need to facilitate our libido, or our will to survive(the tree of life--along with crosses; sun rays that were considered to penetrate and fertilize the ground(to grow plants); being 'reborn' in a cave, which is symbolic of the womb... e.g. Jesus, Mohammed, and Budhhists receiving spiritual enlightenment or rebirth in caves.)
Considering trees having prior symbolisms to fertility, and a woman expected to always be pregnant and not working is considered oppression in recent times(oppression = only worth her reproduction and maternal abilities), do you refrain from putting up Christmas trees? Or perhaps, do you consider the past to be just that.... the past?
(Question more for theoretical feminists, as opposed to strict equalists)
2007-12-24 17:58:29 · 9 answers · asked by Nep 6 in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
Although I would like to take credit for all of this, it is not 'My Logic'. I'm sorry to those that might see this as over your head or 'atmospheric', but I'm using various works including Carl Jung's 'Psychology of the Unconscious', Popular Feminist theory of women seen as sex objects(the first prostitutes were believed to be part of community fertility rituals), Allegory of a Cave, and so on. Again, this is more for feminist theorists. You see sexism pulled out of every possible aspect in life in feminist theory, and wondering if this is an issue for the strictly adherent. Or is it simply the past?
2007-12-24 19:22:02 · update #1
Perfect Peach: I like the theme of your answer, but you don't have to worry about pay scales and glass ceilings anymore. Women in their 20's are making more than men in large cities with with a few examples of 17% higher in New York City and 20% higher in Dallas http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/03/nyregion/03women.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=8941c5442f49a9a4&ex=1343793600&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtjaBQMog0Q ). Also, the boys in our nation have been neglected with grade school being catered towards girls. Now more women are in college than men ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lENB8DPq_rs ). I'm sure feminists will continue to fight for supremacy though.
2007-12-25 02:40:13 · update #2
for me christmas tree is a symbol of joy in christmas.
2007-12-24 18:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Women were not always "expected to be pregnant and not working" in ALL societies. In many cultures, a woman's ability to bear children was a sacred mystery which led to a veneration of the female.
Celebration of a woman's ability to bear and nurture children does not necessarily equal oppression.
Because a tree can be a symbol of so many things, I think the important thing is what the symbol means to YOU. If, to you, it is a symbol of oppression, then certainly you have the right to refrain from putting one up.
I don't mean to be critical, but I personally haven't the time for "theoretical feminism" until *actual* feminism succeeds; i.e., I'll start worrying about Christmas trees once I can stop worrying about pay scales and glass ceilings.
2007-12-24 21:25:37 · answer #2 · answered by PurrfectPeach13232 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Food for thought. I had a Xmas tree up for the sake of the kids, Kendrick. Didn't know about the connection between trees and fertility though........It's not really something that bothers me.
Vanessa, Kendrick's actually a nice guy, thought I'd just let ya know, with the attack and all. :)
2007-12-25 00:43:22 · answer #3 · answered by Shivers 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yeah. That's totally why I and every other American did it. No, defiantly didn't have Christmas in mind when I was decorating it with lights and ornaments and putting presents around it. That was all completely a sign of my fertility.
2007-12-24 18:03:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We don't put up a tree because my dad is a Jehovah's Witness. I guess this means I'll never be barefoot and pregnant. Oh me, oh my.
2007-12-24 21:06:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
x-mas tree is not important for women to get pregnant
2007-12-24 18:10:35 · answer #6 · answered by Therese-ann V 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your logic is a little atmospheric here. I don't consider fertility to be oppressive. I consider being given no other option but to breed oppressive.
2007-12-24 18:58:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋
christmas is pagan. trees, reefs, lights, gifts.
2007-12-25 00:04:15 · answer #8 · answered by Jay 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no
2007-12-24 18:49:08 · answer #9 · answered by Rana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋