The first woman doctor is Elizabeth Blackwell’s real story back in 1840s in America. In the beginning of this book, unlike other common main characters in other novels, Elizabeth had no intention to become a physician. In fact, she had no idea about what she would like to do. She only knew what she didn’t like and that she wanted to do something special. Also, it was not until a friend’s advice that she started considering to study medicine.
Before reading this book, I already knew
that it could not be easy to be the first woman doctor almost 200 years ago. Even
though I expected it, it still shocked me that there were no any female students
in medical schools. What’s worse, the subjects studied by boys and girls were
so different as well. For example, boys usually studied Latin and mathematics,
while girls always studied music and drawing at that time. This is definitely hard
for modern people to imagine such an uneven educational distribution. Since gender
equality is called for by every country now, we all take the rights to study
whatever we want for granted. Therefore, when knowing such a lack of gender equality
before, I was motivated to cherish the right to study.
Apart from women’s right, which is fully
discussed in the book, I also realized how crucial the influence family has on
the kids. Because in Elizabeth’s case, I believe she would not be able to
become the first woman doctor without her father. Not like any other parents in
1840s, Elizabeth’s father, Mr. Blackwell, had a really progressive idea in
almost everything, including education and politics. He allowed his children to
learn what they like regardless of their genders. Although it’s sad to say that
but even in these days, this kind of open-minded parents are still the
minority. Therefore, after finding the importance of Mr. Blackwell in Elizabeth’s
life, I wonder when and who would appear to be the first woman doctor if
Elizabeth was born in an ordinary and conservative family.
Another point I want to take up in this
book is discrimination. When Elizabeth applied the admittance to medical
schools, there were literally no school wanted to receive her. All the professors
and doctors were so refusal that they thought the one and only female student
could be disquieting for other male students. Moreover, when Elizabeth was purchasing
something for learning anatomy in a medical supply shop, some man students walked
up to her and spoke to her in an impolite way, which completely presented the
discrimination and stereotype of women in 1840s. Also, there is a plot
impressed me a lot. That is, a professor suggested Elizabeth to choose to be a
nurse instead of a physician when she was trying to persuade him. It indeed
annoyed me that how conservative and unfair that time could be. If women could
also study in medical schools and be doctors, more people, or precisely women,
could be survived.
Eventually, I appreciate
Elizabeth’s bravery for the improvement in discrimination and women’s educational
rights. And all credit to her achievements, women’s status had a prominent
progress afterwards.
Hello, Jade!
ReplyDeleteSince you have mentioned that the story shows the unfair treatments between man and woman in the 1840s, do you think that this kind of stereotype or prejudice toward women are still existing in modern society? Is there any observation about women's situation nowadays?
Hello Melody. I believe that in academia, the prejudice toward women is almost not existing anymore since there are many women have already proved their selves. Also, there is no gender-based restriction in academia nowadays. Yet, I think in workplace the prejudice against women is still existing and even worse than the one in academia. It can be observed by the stark ratio of female CEOs to male CEOs around the world. So, in my own opinion, gender equality is needed to be advocated even in modern society.
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ReplyDeleteI agree you mentioned that it's important how parents teach their children. I appreciate those parents who support what their children want to do in the future rather than push them to do something they hate. Eventually, children can still find their way they truly like. Therefore, I think most parents could just let their children do what they like. Don't push too hard on each other. Looking forward to your next post!
ReplyDeleteHello, Jade!
ReplyDeleteAfter I read your post, it occurred to me that the essay’s topic of the entrance exam in the 1970s or so in Taiwan was divided into two types based on the sex. The topics for women to write emphasized more on the patriotism. In contrast, males’ topics were not as deep as females were, and even kind of funny from the modern perspective. For example, a topic once selected for males was “I want to be an excellent teenager both in conduct and academy.” It was hard to believe why such a theme would appear on the exam paper. Anyway, I just associate what I just know from your log with what I have learnt.
According to your log, I find that there seems to be a similarity of the past education in America and Taiwan, which is the issue of “gender equality.” Like what you wrote, after learning such information, I strongly cherished the right to study. Although having the equal education right for children is not fully achieved in every country in the world yet, the United Nations has been making every effort to accomplish quality education. Thus, I believe that the importance of equal education cannot be overemphasized.
What’s more, I appreciate your blog a lot because it is so inspiring and informative!!
Hi, Jade! Thank you for the log! It's very well written and the points you brought up were great! Yes, I do agree with you that the problems told in "The First Woman Doctor" are still relatable then and now. Despite the fact that the setting is in the 1840s, discrimination and gender equality are still loudly talked about and fight for in 2021. I really look forward to what the book will serve in your next log!
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