NMWA & Chapter 9 and the Afterword

National Museum of Women in the Arts

I really enjoyed the museum on Thursday and I am looking forward to taking a trip back on my own to see more of the exhibit that I wasn’t able to see during our visit. Like Katie, I felt myself looking at some of the pieces that the docent was not talking about—she seemed to be avoiding some of the more “controversial” pieces and those that may have warranted more explanation and discussion. I did, however, like the section of the exhibit that put women at their place in history. I missed the name of the woman who redid Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres’ painting called “The Turkish Bath,” but I found all of the paintings in that little room to be quite empowering. It seems like much of the history that we are taught in this part of the world ignores the fact that women had anything to do with where we currently are now—all of the important things have been accomplished by men alone. I felt that that specific section of the exhibit gave women their chance to be seen in places like the front lines of the revolution, which is a place where many people had probably never pictured women before.

Chapter 9 and the Afterword

The way that Marie Wilson ended her book with a collection of quotations from powerful women was very inspiring and moving. She said that the power of what these women said came from their interconnections, which is something that I definitely agree with.

One of the quotes that really spoke to the themes of this class was the one by Phoebe Eng on page 154. She said, “…I’ve learned that once people get used to the image of power embodied in different kinds of people, change begins…consistent presence is key.” As long as men AND women continue to see women taking on leadership roles and constantly being in the spotlight, I think it is very true that they will become more used to and comfortable with the idea of women as leaders. Consistent presence is key because if women leaders slip out of the spotlight and out of attention it seems like we would have to begin all over again. We can’t give up.

I liked the quotes that centered on Eleanor Roosevelt’s “Do something to scare yourself today” statement and the idea of taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone. This is something I really push myself to do—especially when it comes to my shyness and my discomfort with public speaking. Cathy Salser’s quote was perfect for this: “If you struggle with shyness…keep reaching beyond what is comfortable, and surround yourself with a few key women who will cheer you on, listen to the ups and downs, and encourage you toward your greatest dreams for leadership…” (Wilson 158). I have gotten in the habit of taking on public speaking opportunities (voluntarily speaking in class, participating in panel discussions, etc.) that I would normally run away from—and I even have people who know me well (and some who share my “fear!”) that I know I can go to for encouragement and also to share progress with.

Imagine how much growth women as a whole would experience if we all pushed ourselves to do one thing that scared us every day. I think we can make it happen if we all stick together and encourage each other along the way…