By: Claudia Arevalo-Lowe

English 103 - Essay # 2 - "SECOND REVISION"

Professor: Ed O'Connell

Summer 1998 - Session 2

Since time immemorial, women have been the subject of great discussion, treated as property, with no future, without the possibility of a successful life. Women have gone through tough periods marked by depression resulting in the development of a psychiatric drug in the 50s created for the sole purpose of keeping women from feeling blue. This drug was prescribed and consumed by the women of that epoch and fortunately, is long gone and forgotten. Between the periods of apathy, women have fought for their rights and having accomplished a sense of worthiness in the form of acceptance of themselves, and of the appendages attached to being a woman, have started to reach goals which were considered only dreams. The result has been outstanding! The opportunities women have in today's society are by far the best they have ever been.

Women have come a long way since Biddy Mason's plight for freedom and the containment of Hispanics in certain areas has changed to a wider range of motion. Even though a lot of work needs to be done, thanks to women like Susan B. Anthony, women have acquired rights that were exclusively designed for men. As per Maratha Mizychka, Lucie Lamarche and Ariane Brunet, women have a long way to go as far as equality with their counterparts and women's rights. As true as this is, women in today's society have more opportunities than ever before and are in the position of capitalizing on such opportunities.

In their desire for a better life more women have turned to education. Lately, education has been at the forefront of the newly found strength and has been mentioned in the national news. Women have started educating themselves, and are bringing their education to higher levels. The newfound ability to coordinate family and career has opened new avenues for those who want to continue climbing the latter of success. As a result, different businesses are becoming aware of how important is to support these women on their efforts.

Support is not only at an educational level. Los Angeles is the host to "multinational corporations, a variety of economic sectors, multiplying lifestyles that have received women with open arms and turned their dreams into realities. Even though these companies are not rewarding women in the same manner than men, the stigma attached to the female gender is not as present as it was before. Evidence of some recognizable names is Michelle Saee, Betty Saar, Dr. Yvonne Cole-Mao and Senator Barbara Boxer at the local level, and many more at the national level. Even though few names are mentioned, the list of successes can go on and fill several pages.

The economy is better than it has been for a long time. The budget is balanced; the price of oil is very low; and America is happier than before which accounts for the rise in opportunities in loans, small business and real estate readily available of immediate acquisition. Women of many different backgrounds are taking advantage of these opportunities based on their backgrounds and economic strengths. These small business and real estate are offered to women with fewer requirements than before and their marital status is not an issue as it was in times past. It used to be that a woman could not obtain a loan if she was not cosigning with her husband.

As new opportunities arise, their past fears are replaced by confidence that is reflected in the increasing number of women that are graduating from College. As per the Educational Attainment in the United States, March 1997, "29.3% of women between the ages of 25 and 29 have graduated in comparison to 26.3% of males in the same age bracket." Based on the number of completions, women are becoming more suitable for employment in the mainstream. Some of these ladies go on to fill positions related to organizations dedicated to the well being of others.

Diane Albridge, Public Affairs Director for Save the Children is one of these women. She actively works towards a better life for the youth of Los Angeles, as she firmly believes that education and prevention start at a very young age. Save the Children has recently sponsored a conference in Burbank, California, with the participation of teenagers from other states and with the objective of providing California teens with guidance that can help them overcome the hurdles life throws at them. The group was comprised of boys and girls willing to lend a hand. Today's women are not only living their dreams, but are also in the position to help others attain a better life.

Another youth support group that anyone can take advantage of is the Teenshop group that meets twice a month in the Freeman Hospital where they are encouraged to follow their dreams and to succeed in life. This group also works towards the development of teens who are experiencing difficulties in life, or who are in the position to go ahead and help others.

Another aspect that has changed and given young people opportunities denied to their parents is that as a second generation Americans, special programs have been designed by individuals who not only seek their own identity but are also interested in broadening others' horizons. One of these individuals is David Lew, who searching his own past, included a group of 18 to 23 year old Chinese Americans. These youngsters traveled to the native country of their ancestors and learned that even though there are problems here at home, the situation for them is better than in their parents' country of origin. These travels include Los Angeles' born individuals who during their travel to Taiwan are learning not only their ancestors' culture but also what it means to be Chinese-American as well comprise the group in its majority.

However, in some instances, after finally overcoming all the obstacles thrown in a woman's way for the sake of her career, she has to contend with her male co-worker's advances, criticism and other acceptable behavior. New laws have been passed in order to protect individuals against such behavior. New harassment laws came into effect recently, and due to the laws complexity, clarification was necessary. The clarification is intended to provide the employer and the employee the information needed to prevent such occurrences. With this situation under control, women's opportunities broaden even more. Furthermore, the harassment laws do not apply to women only anymore. It has come to pass that men are being harassed at the work place and are seeking the law's protection.

Another boundary women have been interested in crossing is the world of high technology. In the past, the field has been dominated by men: starting with IBM's uniformed looking workers and continuing until big companies such as Microsoft started recognizing how powerful and productive women can be. In the Women in Technology International Conference held in Santa Clarita, California, five thousand women participated, making the conference very successful. By continuing expanding in this field, women will be able to create an even more powerful force capable of influencing the economy of the nation.

There is more. Women are part of music as well. An example of success starting at an early age, for approximately two years, the Lilith Fair Tour has reunited some of the most popular music creators and its audience has steadily increase despite criticism of the organizer, Sara McLachlan, and of its participants. This year, the artists were more organized and in better condition than the previous year. As a result, a successful first set took place, opening more doors for our youth.

It used to be that women got fired from the workplace when they reached a certain age. Replace the old with the new routinely took place when women reached late 30s or early 40s, despite their years of service. Unfortunately, this situation, as of today, not only affects women but men as well. The good news is that lately, attention has been placed on this subject. It may be due to the baby boomer getting older, or it may be because experience weighs more and helps build a stronger economy. Hence, what has transpired is that the California Legislature has intervened making it illegal to fire someone because of his or her age. The bill is awaiting Governor Wilson's approval. The adoption of the bill will not only make it illegal to continue the practice but it will also base employment in the performance of the individual.

Amazingly enough, as there are no boundaries for women any more, and those which remain standing will soon be conquered, the Catholic Church is one of the barriers still standing. Women are still not allowed to be ordained as ministers, pastors or priests even though several other religions have accepted women as ministers. Pope John Paul II has made it impossible and is ensuring his successor will continue with this school of thought in order to prevent women from servicing their God.

Moving to the political front, Mary Robinson, appointed as the U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights, can go head-to-head with the best of the male politicians of the world. She is ensuring that women are heard everywhere and drastic changes take place to protect human rights. The Human Rights for women apply not only to the women of the U.S. but to women all over the world. In third world countries women do not enjoy the same privileges and alternatives women have in the States. A lot of the women in places such as Africa are still getting mutilated at a very young age in order to appease men.

At the same time and in another part of the world, First Lady Hillary R. Clinton is making her presence and power felt. While visiting different places in Shanghai, she made it known that she supports institutions that give their support and help to women and that she opposes those that oppress them. She delivered the same message that she has delivered at home and it is hoped that her message will have some impact on China.

In the Latino community, the struggle continues when dealing with seats in the Senate and The House of Representatives. Even though progress has followed years of hard work, and Latino leaders in California have emerged, obtaining a seat in the House of Representatives or in the Senate has proven to be more than difficult. Presently, Latinos hold only eighteen seats in the House, 0 in the Senate, and only one in the President's Cabinet.

African Americans hold several seats in the Senate and the House. Compared to Latinos the ratio is 20 African Americans to 1 Latino. An obstacle Latino women have to overcome is that in the Latino community they are viewed as subservient and wives and not as leaders. Evidence of the practice is how many of them have actually graduated from school, have a career or an income above the poverty level.

To add to the list of successes, women are not only participating in business, politics and arts. They are also influencing education. Mothers of all backgrounds have spent time attending PTA meetings and an enormous amount of hours in the lawn of the schools they believe will bring their children up to speed and a better education. Recently, a group of mothers (with husbands) gathered with the purpose of helping reform Canfield Elementary, in Los Angeles, with the purpose of giving their children, as well as others, the opportunity of a better education and a brighter future. The meeting was conducted by a group of economically secured women who are working towards the goal of reforming the school, not only for their benefit but for the benefit of the community as well.

Every type of industry presently in existence in the U.S. employs women, and these women are, at their own pace, exceeding what is expected and are proving that women can excel. As part of this growth, every year a group of women get honored for their contribution, and this year the National Women's Hall of Fame paid tribute to twenty-one of them, ten of which are influential in today's society and eleven who were honored posthumously.

The opportunities for women in today's society have been brought about by the many different factors already covered. However there are more. Among them is that the citizens of this country are spending more time producing. Contrary to popular belief the added time is a direct result of women in the work force. It is important to include women in films, in space, including those who died their way to space. The women who research for a cure for cancer and HIV, the teachers who spend hours teaching and correcting papers, and the incredible literary icons who live among us. All of these women have devoted many hours working on their individual fields with the object of making a difference. Hence, these women are an inspiration to those of us who believe we can succeed in life.

Some individuals, including women, insist that the job market is limited and there are no opportunities they can take advantage of. Taking a closer look at some of the options currently available in that area can help the person find a position that suits their knowledge.

For the few who believe that the job market is limited and there are no possibilities or positions available to suit their needs, a visit to the Internet is in order. There are 3,245,350 job openings/related sites, from high-tech to level entry positions. Besides the Internet job related sites, Los Angeles Times Classified Section is an excellent source of opportunities available to everyone.

Thirteen women were interviewed for this paper. They were asked if they considered they had the same opportunities as men. Of the thirteen, eleven-answered yes, and two answered no.

Women are well prepared to receive the next century, and even though some have not noticed yet, women will continue their development and more opportunities will become available to them.

Hua, Vanessa. Times Staff Writer. A Cultural Awakening. B1. Los Angeles times. July 6, 1998.

Willes, Mark H. Donald Wright, Michael Parks & Janet Clayton. Los Angeles Times Editorial - Clarity on Sex Harassment. B4. Los Angeles Times. June 29, 1998.

Piler, Charles. Times Staff Writer. Women Create Tech Show of Their Own in Silicon Valley. D1. Los Angeles Times. June 29, 1998.

Nichols, Natalie. Special to the Times. Women of Lilith Fair Display Their Musical Range. F3. Los Angeles Times. June 29, 1998.

Ingram, Carl. Times Staff Writer. Wilson Gets Bill to Ban Age Bias in Firing. A1. Los Angeles Times. June 30, 1998.

Stammer, Larry B. Times Religious Writer. Pope Moves to Quell Dissent Over Ban on Female Priest. A17. Los Angeles Times. July 1, 998.

Turner, Craig. Times Staff Writer. At Swords' Points With Repression. Column One. Los Angeles Times. July 2, 1998.

Peterson, Jonathan. Times Staff Writer. First Lady Again Sounds Themes for Women's Rights. A16. Los Angeles Times. July 2, 1998.

Barabak, Mark Z. Times Political Writer. Latinos Struggle for Role in National Leadership. A1. Los Angeles Times. July 7, 1998.

Smith, Doug. Times education Writer. Saving the School Down the Street. Column One. Los Angeles Times. July 9, 1998.

Associated Press. 21 Inducted Into Women's Hall of Fame. A16. Los Angeles Times. July 12, 1998.

From Bloomberg News. Americans Spend More Time Working, Survey Says. D3. Los Angeles Times. July 8, 1998.

Internet - united states/…topportunities.com eastcentral.ab.ca/html

aerojet.com/human_Resources/job-oppo…ties

Directv.com/hr/jobla_labc.html.

Merriam Webster - Collegiate Dictionary