SWA #5

            In the article “Womb for Rent – For a Price” Goodman makes the claim that as international surrogacy rates increase, so too should questions regarding the ethics of such business. Although women cannot be forced (for all we know) into becoming a surrogate mother, in the low-income parts of the world some women have little choice. They make much more than they would at any other job offered to them. It becomes a question of whether or not the selling of human life crosses the line of morality. When humanity becomes secondary to business motives and profits, then maybe an industry must be halted.  Goodman does however present the other side of this argument. She empathizes with couples who are unable to have a child of their own for whatever reason, but still desire for the child to have at least have of their genetic traits. In this regard it is a wonderful system and should continue. Similarly she does admit that women in third world countries and wives of men in the army can use this industry to generate enough income to pay for medical bills, weddings, and anything else needed to support their families. These present to the audience the need for this practice and cause them to feel not sorry for the women involved, but to understand their position.

            In addition to empathizing with the surrogate mothers who need the money, she understands that this has become a part of some countries culture. That they do not see it as the selling of human life, but more of a means of taking care of their own family in any way possible. Goodman does an excellent job of looking at both the positive and negative outcomes and views of this surrogate industry. The only real problem I have with this article is that there are not any figures or data to support her claims. She says that this industry is increasing in popularity but does not support it with definite data. Other then that it’s just interesting in general that this many people desire to have their child carried by another woman. Never would have thought there would be a huge demand for this sort of thing. 

Catherine Beecher

After reading a little bit about Catherine's life, it made me look at her writing in a slightly different way. Before I read about her I thought she was incredibly strict on women and seemed to almost want women trapped in the house taking care of the family. Now it seems as if she wrote this more as a manual for teaching that was also applicable to the family life. The methods were all aimed to instill certain values in students as well as the children of a family.

SWA #4

SWA #4

            In the piece “On the Preservation of a Good Temper in a Housekeeper” the author discusses the role of a housekeeper. My vision of this person was that of a mother or mother-like figure. Someone who takes care of the family in ways that most of them are unaware of. This “housekeeper” is almost like a guardian figure that protects the ones closest to her and is responsible for keeping the family together. The reason that Beecher says they must be “equable and [have a] cheerful temper” is because they are essentially the center of the family. How ever they act is mirrored by the people that they care for. If they were to be hot tempered and disconnected, then the rest of the family would reflect those qualities. In essence the “housekeeper” is the glue that binds the family together.

            The first method that Beecher discusses is one in which the housekeeper must regaurd the duties which have been bestowed upon her with importance. If she decides that the duties are meaningless then she will not fulfill them with the same motivation and carefulness that is needed. She must also posses the abilities to overcome temptations and to see how the fulfillment of her current duties will effect the generations following her. The third method is to prepare for any obstructions that may enter her path of duty. This will prevent her from falling to any temptation and allow her to meet such obstacles with cheerfulness. A woman must also arrange her plans so that they are in accordance with those in command as well as those around her. This will again prevent her from falling into temptation or disappointment. The fifth method is one in which neatness, order and systematic actions are passed down to those she cares for. It is the passing down of traits such as patience and a cool temper. She must do so through words as well as action. The final method is controlling the tone of her voice. Although at times it is hard to not be irritated, she must deal with such irritations in a calm and rational manor.

            Women of a higher class need to practice thee qualities when they are in command. If a situation goes astray then she must deal with it in a calm manor and present to those responsible the consequences of their actions. When dealing with children, she must allow and plan for mistakes and deal with them in such a way that the children might learn from their mistakes. This will prepare the children to fulfill duties later in life in a manor that is similar to that of their mother. The final duty of the housekeeper is to instill the values and secure that her children speak with easy tongues and placid tones. That their actions reflect their morals and that they realize events in life are a result of the plan of God. This will bring both the woman and generations to come peace and contentment.