BLOOD WATER PAINT

All men are created equal. However, in recent years, many deplorable events still take place all around the world every day because of gender discrimination. After I read this prominent novel, which describes a sorrowful tragedy about a girl, Artemisia, living in a traditional village, it inspires me to explore social phenomena in depth and start to dedicate myself to eliminating gender inequality and exposing the truth. Today, feminist awareness has been raised and I think that it’s time to show the world how considerable women’s powers are.

From time immemorial, the social status of females is always inferior to that of males. Despite cruel reality, in this novel, I see Artemisia holding a resolute and optimistic view towards life, whatever difficulties are waiting for her in the future. Gifted with rare talent for painting, Artemisia had a grim fate — her mother passed away early and she was ravished by her painting tutor, a renowned artist. Though she called out to her father, no one came to her aid and her father suggested she marry him for the sake of the economy and reputation of the family.

It was a really awful blow in the wake of her assault as it concerned a seventeen-year-old girl, and she was faced with having to choose between her talent and her voice. Despite the strong possibility of being shamed as a result, the teen stood on her own feet and sought justice in court. Adding insult to injury, the judge required Artemisia to undergo humiliating, invasive and tortuous tests to prove she wasn’t lying. During the period of gender inequality, because of unfair trial, her finger was rendered disabled by cruel torture, but she never regretted her decision. And we both considered that integrity and social justice transcend wealth and achievement. I believe the sacrifice of today will be rewarded one day.

“I will show you what a woman can do,” Artemisia said and fulfilled her words. Women are never the emblems of cringing cowardice or inability, but dignified and fearless figures. In this novel, it is also combined with Susanna’s and Judith’s stories, who stood up for their social justice of women and faced up to the challenges of heated backlash in the Bible. Therefore, it not only helped Artemisia pluck up her courage to live on and to revolt against gender restrictions, but also inspired me to declare my dissatisfaction to society and just be myself. Perhaps, her denouncement couldn’t turn the tables, yet it has conveyed more profound truth, awakened innumerable kind-hearted people and brought her father to his senses. Even though she would be covered all over with cuts and bruises, she was still willing to struggle with the truth alone for herself. I believe that staying idle causes no change, but vital differences will arise in our lives once action is taken. Although no results will be consummate necessarily, at least we have done our utmost and won’t regret. One day, I consider that our power will be focused and the justice will prevail ultimately, just like #ME Too movement.

I think the current discourse is valuable even if the only outcome is the encouragement to speak up, share these stories, and enlist popular support of #ME Too movement. #Me Too is a social movement caused by criticism of current legal systems and that hoped through it to appeal to general public’s awareness and discussion of sexual harassment and assault to urge the reform of sexual issues. As more and more people participate in #Me Too movement, some survivors who didn’t dare to speak up will realize that they are not alone, and that it wasn't their fault, and more importantly that deeply entrenched misogyny isn't no longer a cultural norm we must accept. Nowadays, the awareness of feminism is rising, so we should cherish everything we have and work hard for the justice the world lacks. Even if we face helplessness and desperation, we shouldn't give up and accept the situation; instead, we will break through the ordeal and redeem ourselves as Artemisia. Hopefully, we can always meet the wildest surprise in the deepest despair and be the best version of ourselves.