Simone de Beauvoir

In “Woman: Myth and Reality,” Simone de Beauvoir writes about the many differences between beliefs men have about women, and the realities behind these many false, sometimes ridiculous ideas. After reading Beauvoir’s work, the lack of respect and knowledge men had toward women in early times, became truly apparent. Though men, have always seemed to feel as if they know the supposed, “Truth of woman,” they clearly did not have any sense of obligation and compassion toward women of their time. In “Woman: Myth and Reality,” Beauvoir also wrote about how men seem to benefit from the myths about women. By demoralizing women, as an entire group of people, men automatically gain more power in the world. The many negative myths about women cast men in a more positive light, increasing their amount of influence on important issues. In doing this, women are continually shunned by the more powerful, male society. They are never given the chance to prove their abilities and talents if they are degraded by powerful men. In her work, Beauvoir wrote about women, during that time, passively accepting criticisms. Women have always been intelligent, they should have been able to form their own ideals and fight for their rights, even during that time period. The blame for such degradation and outrageous, irrevocable customs, though largely caused by man, may also be placed on passive women.
Simone de Beauvoir’s, “Woman: Myth and Reality,” was a very enlightening read. The myths and realities in Beauvoir’s work clearly expanded on what we have previously read from this Feminism unit.