For centuries, people have been suffering throughout the concepts of objectification. Whether these people be male or female, the concept of objectification is one with the most controversy. Along with this, feminism has been at its peak point for years and years, and needs more light shed on the negative aspects. War trauma, although one cannot directly relate objectification and feminism to this concept, falls into this connotative category. These fallacies, though not commonly highlighted individually, present themselves into Christa Wolf’s Cassandra in ways people are not used to and provide a safe space for relation.
Common Definitions: Objectification- the act of degrading someone to the status that of an object. Essentially, devoid them of thought and disregarding their feelings. Feminism- belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests. War Trauma- Having a scary or dangerous, emotional effect from experience or participation in a war. Cassandra: Christa Wolf, along with many others, was one to experience the devastation and trauma surrounding a war in East Germany (Nazi Germany). She used Cassandra’s similar experience with the Trojan Way as a way to relate and provide insight on normality. This is a way to have their voices heard when speaking about such subjects. Cassandra was under the impression of female objectification, and Wolf’s work can be considered a work of feminism to try and highlight the wrongdoings from centuries ago. Cassandra was shamed upon when explaining how she wanted to be a priestess for the God Apollo, and no one believed her. Although this was from a curse after receiving the gift of prophecy, Wolf still perfectly explains and represents the ideas of female objectification. In going back to war trauma, it is not talked about as it should. Most people focus on the veterans who fought in the war, rather than focusing on the people who experienced everything around them. Wolf uses Cassandra’s character and story to perfectly identify these terms and help people understand the true devastations and reality of war and feminism. It also shows how much these ideas have changed over the years and how they are yet to be resolved. No one is alone when dealing with any sort of issue involving mental or physical health. Reach out to people and relate to others with similar situations. Use your voice, whether this be in real life or as a character in a story you write- just like Christa Wolf.
External Sources: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/definition-of-objectification https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/social-acceptance-helps-mental-health-after-war-trauma https://endcan.org/needhelp/gclid=CjwKCAjw7rWKBhAtEiwAJ3CWLBjfPlWFS
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |