We're Not There Yet

I’ve been shocked and upset about the revelations of misogyny, sexual abuse and violence that have recently come to light. The discovery of such hate and oppression has made me question what progress has really been made in all these years.

Two thousand years ago, women of ancient Greece had no rights. Their lives were bound to the men in their families and they lived by the general rule that they should neither be seen nor heard. In music, women were forced to confine their talents to private performances at home and in religious ceremonies while men received fame and glory in public concerts and competitions. Professional female musicians were sexualised and made into hetairai or prostitutes. Even Plato in Republic reinforced sexist views, stating men should make “masculine” music and women, music that is “orderly and moderate”.

Fast forward to the19th century and we have Clara Schumann who, despite her undeniable talent, decided to quit composing at an early age. She said, “I once believed that I possessed creative talent, but I have given up this idea; a woman must not desire to compose — there has never yet been one able to do it. Should I expect to be the one?” This is coming from a woman who stood out as a brilliant composer and a virtuosic concert pianist at a time when mostly men were recognised for their musical abilities. For me, she could have been the ultimate role model—defying a patriarchal system and breaking barriers with her genius. But instead, she gave in to societal pressures and decided she shouldn’t be heard.

Today, there are more and more accomplished women in classical music but I wonder if they are given the same kind of recognition and respect as their male counterparts. When I see talented musicians like Yuja Wang wearing tight mini skirts and 5-inch stiletto heels and Lara St. John in erotic poses on her CD covers, I am reminded of the hetairai and we are back to where we were two thousand years ago. Male classical musician don’t perform half naked or pose in seductive stances to promote their music so why do women?

As my friends and I, both male and female, stand together outside my school in peaceful protest against sexist behaviours, we are acknowledging that gender inequality still exists. We are not where we should be yet. Recognising this truth is what I believe to be a step towards real progress.