In Kingston's White Tigers, there is a portion which covers the "Ballad of Fa Mu Lan". The extreme cultural standards of the Chinese, especially towards women, are portrayed in that piece. A woman was expected to "grow up as a wife and a slave" (Kingston 20). If people today were told what they will become in the future or if they were given a pre-planned timeline, they would only scoff in disbelief. Life in the plantations? Arranged marriage? Mother from age 15? No way. Kingston brought out the rebellious woman warrior to represent the act of defiance. The woman warrior disguised herself as a man as she went out to fight and save her village. When she came back to her husband, she settled down with a newborn child. She not only filled in the role of a courageous swordsman, but also of a nurturing mother. The word warrior doesn't only describe a person with physical strength and combat bravery. It more describes one's strength for being able to accomplish what she desires as a person, while successfully carrying out her other important duties. The woman warrior killed a life, (to save her village) but created a life (for a complete family) as well.
Take a look at today's world. Cities, towns, and villages are bustling with determined women who seek their dreams and goals. Women all around the world are now taking on jobs which were once known as "men's work". A true warrior woman is someone who can climb high with their ambitions and not forget to cherish love/hold on to family.
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Warrior woman's matchmaker grandma doesn't fail to remind her of another importance - love & family
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P.S. Why "White Tigers"? I was just thinking that maybe it's because white tigers are a rare and endangered species. That would be parallel to the rarity of true warrior women who stray from traditional cultural standards. However, when they are spotted, we can only awe at their beauty.
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