Persisting Sexism

In the beginning of chapter 8, it is again reiterated that Andrea means "manhood". She is still struggling with her identity as a woman. She notes that God gave her the brains, hearts, and spirits of men implying that women are just as capable as men; however, Andrea suggests that God did this to "fuck us up". Andrea believes that in her society women must accept that they are inferior to men. For example, she says that they MUST lose to boys in games like checkers and tic-tac-toe even if they can outsmart the boys. Andrea reveals how bitter she is about this sexist distinction society follows. She hates that everyone is constantly ordering women around. Her angst is apparent when she expresses her hatred towards liberals. Her dad was a liberal and allowed Andrea to engage in stimulating conversations with him. Although she may have enjoyed these conversations with her father, she looks back with disgust because she knows the liberal mindset is not realistic. Andrea does not believe that freedom or dignity exists for women. It is especially interesting to read her feelings on sexism. Although Andrea knows she is intelligent and can make her own decisions, she is constantly under the control of men in her life. Why doesn't Andrea revolt against men more and express her true feelings out loud? It is important that Andrea has these feelings in the first place, but I believe that they need to be expressed out loud. By succumbing to society's stereotypes, nothing will ever change.