“What I’ve Learned from Men” Response Questions

1. What is the tone (see definition below) of the opening paragraph? What does the tone of

Ehrenreich’s first paragraph suggest we can expect in the rest of the essay?

     The tone of the opening paragraph is one of sarcasm and criticism. By reading the first paragraph I expected the tone to carry throughout the essay. I expected that although the title implied something positive, I learned quickly that this wasn’t so.

2. Ehrenreich contrasts “being tough” and “being ladylike.” What are the attitudes and behaviors

that she associates with these opposing ways of being?

     When Ehrenreich describes a woman as being tough, she says that the woman is portrayed as being aggressive, but that women should adopt this way of being. Being a tough woman enables you to stand up for who you are, and it enables you to take credit for your accomplishments.  When Ehrenreich described a woman as being ladylike she said that they would smile to ease situations, not take credit for their accomplishments, and they would let people be rude and aggressive to them just to keep things “nice.”

3. According to Ehrenreich, why are women reluctant to exert power?

     Women are reluctant to exert power because of what society has taught us. Men learn from the time that they are little to be assertive, aggressive, and take control of situations. Women are taught just the opposite. Women learn to be meek, embarrassed of accomplishment, and learn to accept criticism. Because society has taught each gender to behave in certain situations, it is hard to break from the norm, but I believe that it is important for women to stand up for themselves, even if it goes against everything we know.

4. Why do you think Ehrenreich shares the story of her encounter with the “prestigious

professor” in paragraph 3?

     I think that Ehrenreich shares the story of her encounter with the professor because to give an example of a woman being powerless in a situation that she should have taken control. I think that many women can relate to that story. I can relate to that story. I have been in many situations where I have been approached inappropriately by a man in power, and I did nothing to stand up for myself. This is what society has taught us. Knowing that a woman who is confidant and stands up for herself was once similar to me or to other woman, gives some confidence and assurance that we too can become like her.

5. Why do you think she “reruns” the scene with the professor to conclude her essay?  What does

the “do-over” or mulligan allow her to accomplish?

     I think that she reruns the scene with the professor to explain how she should have acted in the situations, and how she would now act in a similar situation. I think it was important for her to reenact the scene to give some basis as to how a woman should stand up for themselves.