Mother Is Not Superwoman
The "Mother is not superwoman" phrase means that being a mother does not automatically make someone capable of doing everything perfectly. Mothers are human and have limitations. It is important to recognize and respect their boundaries and only constantly expect them to juggle multiple responsibilities with support and help. It is crucial to appreciate and value mothers' efforts and sacrifices rather than take them for granted.
Some key issues of the topic
The topic brings up several key issues, including:
The societal expectation is that mothers should be able to do everything perfectly and effortlessly, which can put undue pressure and stress on them.
- The impact of the "superwoman" label on mothers' freedom can lead to a feeling of being trapped or confined to certain expectations and roles.
- The challenges women face in balancing their motherhood responsibilities with their careers and personal lives and the societal pressure on women to do so.
- The importance of recognizing and valuing mothers' efforts and sacrifices while respecting their boundaries and acknowledging that they are human and have limitations.
- The need for mothers to prioritize their own needs and desires and to take time for themselves to maintain their energy and enthusiasm.
The image of mothers as superwomen has become a social consensus and a moral bondage to them.
A mother starts her day early, preparing breakfast for her children, packing her husband's clothes, sending her child off to school, going to the store, and making lunch before picking up her child. After doing so much, people say that Mother is like a superwoman. When a mother is labeled a superwoman, she is asked to forget her fears, abandon her ideals, and give her all to her children and family.
Generally, all welcome compliments, but why do some mothers not take pride in being praised as superwomen?
How has the label "superwoman" affected a mother's freedom?
The label "superwoman" has positively and negatively affected mothers' freedom. On the one hand, it has highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of mothers who juggle multiple roles and responsibilities and has helped promote the idea that women can have successful careers and be good mothers simultaneously. This can lead to increased recognition and respect for mothers' work in and outside the home.
However, on the other hand, the label of "superwoman" can also create unrealistic expectations for mothers to be perfect and do it all. This can lead to increased pressure, stress, guilt, or inadequacy if they cannot live up to these expectations. It can likewise cause a lack of support for mothers, as a society may assume that they can handle everything without assistance.
Furthermore, the label of "superwomen" can reinforce gender roles and stereotypes, suggesting that women are the primary caregivers and responsible for maintaining the household, while men are not held to the same standard. This can limit the freedom of both mothers and fathers to make choices about their careers and family responsibilities, as they may feel pressured to conform to traditional gender roles.
Overall, while the label "superwoman" can be empowering for some mothers, it is important to recognize the potential negative effects and work towards creating a society that values and supports all caregivers, regardless of gender.
Get to hear from Rita, a practicing lawyer.
Rita is an excellent lawyer. She had always hoped that one day she could become an exemplary lawyer and a loving mother."I never thought that my dream of being a lawyer and my dream of being a mother could be fulfilled at the same time," she said. When the little one appeared, she studied for her legal qualification test while caring for the infant's evening needs, changing diapers, breastfeeding, and pumping milk regularly. The anxiety of readying for the test was as if a large intangible hand was squeezing her neck, making her even more breathless. She said that if someone told her then: "You are really like a superwoman." Then she would be unhappy because she thought this sentence deified the mother and rationalized all her efforts and sacrifices.
As she said, I asked my mother, a woman who gave up better opportunities for her family, and she also got a negative answer. She thought it was a stereotype of mothers.
Being a mother is a challenging exam that requires everyone to pass with flying colors.
The tradition of homemakers in China
In China, the traditional role of homemakers has been discarded for a long time, yet the expectation that women should take responsibility for housework has remained unchanged. Data indicates that in 2020, women represented 43.5% of the total employed population, while the average number of births per woman was 1.28, meaning that many women have to take on the dual responsibilities of family and society. Women have been making strides in career development, but they have paid attention to their responsibilities in the home and to their children.
Despite their professional commitments, they strive to be good mothers and partners. Women demonstrate a remarkable ability to balance their professional and personal lives, showing immense strength and dedication. Society puts far more pressure on women than men. As a result, women are faced with a greater burden to meet the demands of society. They can face higher levels of scrutiny, which might cause feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Furthermore, women may have to work harder than men to achieve the same success and recognition in many areas of life.
Creating stereotypes
The glorification of mothers based on certain stereotypes (i.e., that they are superhuman) has led to a higher level of societal expectation, making certain expectations appear acceptable, thus putting additional strain on mothers.
Rita felt anxious when her child compared her to a Superman, worried that she wouldn't be able to meet their expectations. Therefore, she will put forth more effort.
"The child's words are like my creed." She smiled at me, but there was fatigue in her expression.
Dear mother, the role of a mother is like a filter, which often makes you lose the color of your original life. You can not only be a mermaid who is afraid of water, a Spiderman who is afraid of heights, a Batman who is afraid of the dark, and a Superman who cannot fly, but you also can be yourself. My dear mother, no one will doubt your value. We want to uphold your dedication, force you to take on a manageable amount and leave you isolated. All parents express their love for their children in their unique way.
Lessons we borrow from Rira
Rira is a fictional character whose story can offer different lessons depending on how one interprets it. However, some possible lessons that can be drawn from her story are:
- Persistence and resilience: Rira faced many challenges but never gave up. She pursued her dreams and overcame obstacles through determination and resilience.
- Self-belief: Rira's success was primarily due to her belief in herself and her abilities. She never let anyone else's opinions or expectations define or limit her potential.
- Support system: Although Rira was fiercely independent, she also had a robust support system that included her family, friends, and mentors. They encouraged her, provided guidance when needed, and helped her focus on her goals.
- Creativity and adaptability: Rira could adapt to changing circumstances and solve problems creatively. She was not afraid to take risks and try new things, which allowed her to stay relevant and successful in a constantly evolving industry.
- Work-life balance: Despite her demanding career, Rira was able to find a balance between her work and personal life. She made time for her family and friends, pursued her hobbies, and cared for her physical and mental health.
These are just a few lessons that can be drawn from Rira's story. Others may interpret her journey differently and take away different insights.
Overall, these issues highlight the complexity and challenges of being a mother in today's society and the importance of supporting and appreciating mothers in their roles and responsibilities.