In the 40s and 50s there was this idea of the perfect housewife who stayed at home to do all the cooking and cleaning, while her husband was out working at his job. She would take care of the children and all other affairs of the house. This social "order" as it were, was influenced by advertisements of the time. This idea that the women "should stay in the kitchen" or at home with the kids moved through time and is still referenced today. This social order brought about a want for equality and the feminist movement.
I am a feminist and I believe that women should be as equal/ on the same level as men in our society. I also believe there shouldn't be gender stereotypes and stigmas placed on things like cooking and cleaning being only for women. Nevertheless, though I am also a feminist who actually enjoys cooking and cleaning, especially cooking. I have always loved cooking and baking, I see it as a way to express myself rather than an oppressive activity that creates inequality.
I learned to cook at a young age getting countless cookbooks for birthdays and other holidays. Both my parents taught me how to create delicious foods using a recipe, and sometimes even straying from the recipe. I have always loved watching myself create a unique dish, and then be able to eat it or share it with others. The look on people's faces when then are eating can bring a smile to any amateur chef's face. In my house and many of my friends' houses everybody cooks the meals, gender does not equate into that.
No one ever really likes to clean their own room, the epitome of pain in childhood. I still hate it, but I like cleaning and organizing other rooms that are not my own. I really find comfort in taking time to sort through thing and make piles so that everything can be on display. My sister uses this to her advantage and she often has me clean her room for her saying i'm just helping but really she dictates while I do.
Everybody likes food so why has the person who cooks in the household become so gender-specific? Anyone can pick up a mixer and start creating a unique batch of cookies, but why is it always a women shown in the advertisements? It is time for the media and society to realize that many people enjoy cooking and cleaning and there is no gender- assigned role that goes with that.
