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Bautista, Gwen Harriet R.

PI 100
Reaction Paper 7: Womens status in society, gender roles and morality, marriage and divorce The
Hypervaluated Hymen by Arnold Azurin in Reinventing the Filipino Sense of Being and Becoming the Pre-
colonial Filipina by Mary John Mananzan in Chapter 13 of Kasaysayan Vol. 2,
Shifting Gears on Filipina Sexuality
In history, women were regarded with different importance depending on the culture that they
belong. In some societies, they were restricted to perform household work, child-rearing and even
banned from higher form of education which only men can have. However, in the Filipino society before
the arrival of foreign influences, there has been an equal regard for both men and women. They can
perform the same duties as men. But according to the reading, they do not only enjoy these privileges
but also the character of Filipino women in the past is way different from the modern times. It seems
that the woman of today has been covered up with a character whom they have to live upon that could
last for the rest of their lives and disregard the culture that existed in our own country- this I refer to the
concept of sexuality which brings feelings of guilt, confusion to the modern Filipino.
Mainly, religion is one of the key factors in this shift of the concept of sexuality. When the
Christians arrived in our country and observed the status of women, they gave judgment based on how
the norms function in their own societies. Today, the freedom of woman to experience sexuality based
on natural instinct has been given criticisms by the majority of the people. It is difficult to respect these
kinds of scenes since it is not in line on what religion tells them. Also, if the woman tries to pursue the
concept of sexuality from the past and try to stand up with the current norms, it still remains a
challenge.
But it is never too late. If the Filipinos could be educated and open up with this concept, then
there is a chance that there could be a gradual shift on how these women could be regarded. However,
we should also remember, that with power comes responsibility. Women should be conscious of the
negative consequences of this possible openness such as unwanted pregnancy and sexual diseases. Thus
the passing of the Reproductive Health Bill could be seen as one way to step up on this concept. If
women and even men could be protected, then woman should not need anymore to adopt on colonial
concepts such as the Maria Clara.

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