Blog 8

Belkins essay "Opt Out" has caused much controversy and debate. Some agree with her and think that women choose not to follow the prototypical way of doing things and decide to stay at home, while others feel like it is forced onto women because of society.  Belkin says that some women just do not want to make it to the top. I find that hard to believe in today's society. Yes, it is true that some women may not want to work everyday for whatever reason, rather it be lazy, family, or the husband is making enough money, but I find it hard to believe that a women would choose to not get to the top on her own. Definitely in today's society and everyone wanting to be treated equal and have the same opportunities and such. I feel like some women just can't make it to the top because of certain circumstances that are not always their fault. I am not blaming women for getting pregnant and having to bear the child, but I think that is a reason that some women cannot gain power or be as successful. It is hard carrying a child for 9 months and taking all that time off work and expect to be able to compete with a male in the same job field for a higher position. Why would a boss give a female who has a family the job over a male who won't have to take time off of work to carry a child and things like that. I feel like it is good that women do stay home and take care of their child, because childcare cannot raise a child right. My step-mom has multiple degrees and a master's, but has decided in a way to stay home and take care of my sisters until they reach a certain age. I find this good because she can raise them how she wants and not let them pick up bad habits at daycare an be neglected like some children, but I also feel like it is not her choice to stay home. My dad works and my step-mom feels like someone has to take care of the children and she feels it is her responsibility. She is kind of forced to stay home and this idea goes against Belkin. While it is true that some women want to stay home and take care of their children, what about the ones who just stay home because they feel they have to, but really want to be making use of their degrees and earning their own income.

I feel like everyone should be able to have welfare and that they should not try and take that away from people because it is there to help. Even though it is not the government's responsibility to take care of everyone, I feel that as long as a person is not just abusing the system, then there is no reason to get rid of it.