What Does Simone De Beauvoir Say In The Second Sex Telegram

So, you've heard about Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex", right? It's like that one book your mom kept on the coffee table, the one with the mysterious title that you'd pick up, flip through, and then put back down because, well, it looked a tad heavy. But what's it really about? Let's dive in, shall we?

What's the Big Deal?

Imagine you're at a party, and someone asks, "Why are women considered the 'second sex'?" You'd probably scratch your head, right? It's the 21st century, we've got women astronauts, CEOs, and even a woman leading the free world (well, sort of). But back in the mid-20th century, that wasn't the case. Women were expected to stay home, cook, clean, and pop out babies. Anything beyond that was, well, unusual.

Simone de Beauvoir, a French philosopher and feminist icon, wasn't having it. She wrote "The Second Sex" in 1949, a massive tome that's like the grandma of all feminist texts. It's a beast, but it's a beast that's got some serious wisdom to share.

So, What's the Telegram?

Alright, imagine "The Second Sex" is a long, winding road trip. You've got your map (the book), and you're ready to hit the road. But you're impatient, you want the highlights, the must-see stops. That's what we're gonna do here - give you the "Simone de Beauvoir's Second Sex" telegram.

Women Aren't Born, They're Made

De Beauvoir starts by saying that women aren't born as women, they're made into them. It's like when you're a kid and your mom makes you wear that itchy sweater because it's "cute". You're not a sweater-wearer by nature, but you're made into one by circumstance. Similarly, women aren't inherently domestic goddesses or nurturers, society makes them that way.

Women Aren't the 'Other', They're the 'Second'

De Beauvoir argues that men consider women as the 'other', the opposite sex. But she says, hold up, that's not right. Women aren't the 'other', they're the 'second'. Men are the standard, the norm, and women are the deviation. It's like when you order a burger and fries, and then there's the 'lite' version. The lite version isn't the 'other' burger, it's the 'lite' one, the second choice.

Women Need to Free Themselves

De Beauvoir says women need to free themselves from this 'second sex' status. It's like when you're in a bad relationship, and your friends are like, "Girl, you need to leave him!" You know they're right, but you're stuck in a cycle. De Beauvoir is like that friend, but for all women. She's saying, "Hey, you don't have to be the 'second sex'. You can be the main event."

Why Should You Care?

Even if you're not a woman, "The Second Sex" is still relevant. It's like that one song you heard as a kid that stuck with you. It might not be your favorite, but it's a classic, and it's shaped the music you listen to today. "The Second Sex" is like that song. It's shaped the way we think about gender, and it's still influencing the music (or in this case, the conversation) today.

So, the next time you see "The Second Sex" on the bookshelf, don't be intimidated. Pick it up, flip through it, and see what all the fuss is about. It's not just a heavy book, it's a heavy hitter. And who knows, you might just find yourself nodding along, thinking, "Yeah, Simone, you're right. It's time to free ourselves."