What Do Women Want By Kim Addonizio

873 Words2 Pages

Stereotypes. Something that many women are subjected to in society and are forced to accept it like it is something that should happen. “What do women want”(Addonizio) examines the stereotypes most women face when wearing certain clothing, and the objectification of women, that is frowned upon but all women secretly want. It points out the objectification and stereotypes that women are subjected to, challenges them, and connects them to everyday life. Kim Addonizio gives stereotypes a whole new meaning by closely looking into the most typical clichés there are. Out of the many clichés, she touches the lust for that one tight; flimsy, cheap, revealing dress. These clichés' scorn women for wanting to wear a dress that may be too revealing looks cheap or looks “too” tight. Many women are subjected to this stereotype because it “typically” doesn’t conform to others’ opinions. She mentions this in her poem by saying “ I want a red dress./I want it flimsy and cheap,/I want it too tight, I want to wear it/until someone tears it off of me.” (1-4). Addonizio …show more content…

For instance, she speaks of how she wants to “ walk down/the street past Thrifty’s and the hardware store… past the Guerra brothers/slinging pigs from the truck and onto the dolly,/hoisting the slick snouts over their shoulders.” (8-13). With this piece of the poem, Addonizio shows a more pragmatic point, making it more realistic with examples and not just a statement mentioning stereotypes. Using more details connecting it to everyday life gives the poem more meaning, and connects to the reader. Addonizio connects with the reader by mentioning many stereotypes, and putting them in a realistic setting, putting the reader in her shoes, making them think about the clichés women endure. In general, most women can relate, and that was just Addonizio’s intention when adding specific details and pointing out the flaws in real

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