In traditional Chinese culture, marriage is regarded as a major life event, yet in modern society, it faces many challenges. The drama "Chinese Divorce" has generated a lot of controversy, but I think it has overly vilified the image of Chinese women. In fact, most Chinese women are wise, kind and tolerant, willing to sacrifice for their families and able to withstand the hardships of life.
It has been said that "Chinese Divorce" reveals the dilemma brought about by holding high hopes for the husband to become successful. This reminds me of an old story of a pair of high school students who love each other. Due to the family's financial difficulties, the girl chooses to drop out of school and carries the burden of the two families. However, when the boy went to university, he fell in love with one of his female classmates. The girl is devastated and painful, but can we simply blame the boy for his betrayal? Perhaps the common language between them has disappeared and the love has also faded away.
In real life, there are many similar stories. Some women are willing to take a back seat and raise their children in order to support their husbands' career. However, when the men become successful, some of them forget the contribution of their wives. They may use "no common language" or "no love" as an excuse to cover up their betrayal. These women have given their youth and everything for their families, only to be betrayed and forgotten by their men.
However, women's intelligence and ability is not inferior to men. Rather than paying silently and waiting for men's pity and alms, it’s better for them to work hard themselves to win respect and status in the society. It is wonderful to hope that one's husband will become successful, but it is more reliable to become a phoenix on one’s own. Here, "becoming a phoenix" does not mean gaining spectacular achievements, but that women can have a specific skill, do their own job well and win the recognition of society.
Whether they work as cleaners or domestic helpers, women can earn dignity and status through their own efforts. Instead of being dependent on men, they can move forward alongside them. If there is a man they can rely on, that is lucky for women; if the man cannot be relied on, women can at least rely on themselves.
In this ever-changing era, women should bravely pursue their dreams and endeavour to improve their abilities. Only in this way can they have more say in marriage and family and realise their values.
