Role of Women in the Paleolithic and Modern Period Essay Example
Role of Women in the Paleolithic and Modern Period
Amy L. Maddox
DeVry University
April 21, 2013
Role of Women in the Paleolithic and Modern Period * Women of the Paleolithic and Modern periods both have role models that have different meanings such as their role in society and their body image; however the way the males have treated these women showed little respect. During the Paleolithic period a sculpture was carved from using simple carving tools to create a masterpiece that is known today as the Venus of Willendorf. The Venus of Willendorf has suggested to archeologists that the sculpture was to have been an image of fertility, which is how their existence survived for so many years. Looking at the sculpture also indicates that the Paleolithic women were more on the obese side. The question is though, what exactly was the Paleolithic woman’s place in this culture and how does it compare to the modern symbolism of Barbie? * The Barbie doll celebrated its 40th birthday in 1999, but what has this toy done to the culture of the young girls who play with her in today’s society? Over the past 40 years the society has seen the ups and downs from the effects of Barbie. Barbie has given our children positive motivation to become something better in life. She has also shown us the negative impact on our children’s lives as well, from dieting issues to self-esteem. Today, women can be seen as someone who should be put on a pedestal or in a store front window, but what does this do to the women of the society? It has been said that Venus of Willendorf was suggested to show fertility and sign of being a Goddess, but what exactly does Barbie suggest showing the children who play with her? The experts have put together what they think the role the Paleolithic women held, according to Venus of Willendorf. According to Rice (1981), the Paleolithic women “were thought of primarily as mothers or baby makers” (p.402). The sculpture showed the
Amy L. Maddox
DeVry University
April 21, 2013
Role of Women in the Paleolithic and Modern Period * Women of the Paleolithic and Modern periods both have role models that have different meanings such as their role in society and their body image; however the way the males have treated these women showed little respect. During the Paleolithic period a sculpture was carved from using simple carving tools to create a masterpiece that is known today as the Venus of Willendorf. The Venus of Willendorf has suggested to archeologists that the sculpture was to have been an image of fertility, which is how their existence survived for so many years. Looking at the sculpture also indicates that the Paleolithic women were more on the obese side. The question is though, what exactly was the Paleolithic woman’s place in this culture and how does it compare to the modern symbolism of Barbie? * The Barbie doll celebrated its 40th birthday in 1999, but what has this toy done to the culture of the young girls who play with her in today’s society? Over the past 40 years the society has seen the ups and downs from the effects of Barbie. Barbie has given our children positive motivation to become something better in life. She has also shown us the negative impact on our children’s lives as well, from dieting issues to self-esteem. Today, women can be seen as someone who should be put on a pedestal or in a store front window, but what does this do to the women of the society? It has been said that Venus of Willendorf was suggested to show fertility and sign of being a Goddess, but what exactly does Barbie suggest showing the children who play with her? The experts have put together what they think the role the Paleolithic women held, according to Venus of Willendorf. According to Rice (1981), the Paleolithic women “were thought of primarily as mothers or baby makers” (p.402). The sculpture showed the