"In fact, it was the women in our house who were in the saddle. If men are the gods, women are not only the presidents but all the ministers of the government"
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In his quote, well-known Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar supplies a vibrant and layered commentary on gender characteristics, particularly within the domestic sphere. The expression "it was the ladies in our home who were in the saddle" suggests that females held significant impact and control, regardless of social norms that frequently subordinate them to men. By utilizing the metaphor of being "in the saddle", Almodóvar paints an image of management and instructions-- roles traditionally related to power.
Furthermore, the statement "If guys are the gods, ladies are not just the presidents but all the ministers of the federal government" extends this metaphor to a broader social structure. In numerous cultures, gods symbolize ultimate power and authority, typically perceived as distant or separated from everyday affairs. By corresponding guys to gods, Almodóvar acknowledges their viewed supremacy in the social hierarchy. However, he juxtaposes this with women being likened to "the presidents however all the ministers of the federal government". Here, Almodóvar suggests that ladies are the true operators and executives, handling the intricate, useful aspects of family and perhaps neighborhood life.
This duality underscores the often-unseen labor ladies carry out and their vital roles in making sure the functioning and stability of both familial and societal structures. Almodóvar's use of political examples highlights the disparity in between perceived versus actual power, challenging the standard patriarchal story. By turning the standard power dynamic, he highlights the intricacies and often-overlooked contributions of women, asserting their essential function in governance-- both within the family and metaphorically within the bigger social construct.
In this interpretation, Almodóvar not only acknowledges the strength and capability of women but also critiques social structures that stop working to recognize or reward their true contribution. His words welcome a re-evaluation of gender roles and encourage a deeper gratitude of the essential part women play in keeping the fabric of society.
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