What If Herland Was Our Land?

As I continue reading Herland, I can't help but imagine what it would be like to really be a part of such a civilization. Charlotte Perkins Gilman's novel was published in 1915; she uses it to challenge the workings of society during that time. Today, it is not unusual for women to lead busy, successful, powerful, and important lives. One of the candidates for the next President of the United States is a woman, need I say more? Back then, however, situations like this were ultimately unheard of; women were only of importance when it came to the domestic tasks they are assumed to perform, such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, giving labor, and basically being nothing more than a housewife. While looking at the differences between the past and the present, I see how ahead of her time Gilman was by writing Herland. She truly did step out of the boundaries of the early 1900's and shed light on a concept that was foreign to society as a whole. In a way, it is safe to say that her science-fictional "dream" came true; although a civilization with strictly women does not exist, they do possess the power and strength that she infused her characters with. I do not think I would want to be a part of a "feminist utopia" where only women existed; however, I like the inspiring idea that it IS possible. Gilman's novel successfully radiates feminism, equality, and the controversial idea that women are simply not inferior to men, contrary to what society teaches us. As Charlotte Perkins Gilman once said, "Women are human beings as much as men, by nature; and as women, are even more sympathetic with human processes. To develop human life in its true powers we need fully equal citizenship for women."