Currents
February 2016
By: Dr. Joanie McConnell
Girls Want To Have Fun
In 1983, when Cyndi Lauper hit the charts with her
breakthrough single “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” this
catchy tune became an unofficial anthem for gender
equality. Why, as Cyndi sang out enthusiastically, shouldn't girls have as much fun as boys?
Now 33 years later, this song may seem dated and
old-fashioned to American audiences, but in more traditional societies, its message appeals
to the girls who, just as Cyndi
crooned, want to have fun.
As the barriers of traditional patriarchal values in Japan begin to crack,
young women are gaining new confidence and energy in redefining
their role. They reject the lifestyle of
their mothers and grandmothers
who managed the household,
deferred to their husband's every
wish, closed an eye to his possible
infidelities, cared for the children,
and assisted the elderly - her parents
and especially the in-laws.
Today young Japanese women
have different expectations. They
want a husband who will be a companion, friend and lover. They want
to share with him the responsibilities
of running their household, bringing
up their children, caring for their elderly parents, and spending quality
time together. They also want the
option of being a working wife,
especially if they have a career.
We Support Our Troops
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