Entry # 17

Honorable Mention - Elementary Division

Highland East Jr. High
Writing Club
Moore, OK

"The torment that so many young women know, bound hand and foot by
love and motherhood, without having forgotten their former dreams.
"

~ Simone de Beauvoir

A woman's life can often be considered one massive contradiction. In today's society, women are often balancing many conflicting aspects of life. Too much femininity can be viewed as weakness; too much masculinity is often considered overly assertive. Commitment to only the home is often perceived as unmotivated. However, career minded women are criticized for abandoning family values. Through our collage experience, we have considered the contrasting aspects of the political women in Oklahoma.

We seemed to be drawn to female politicians almost immediately. Our members all admired women in the political field for their brave balancing act. We observed the daunting task women maintain with their many roles as we look at our own mothers, teachers, sisters, and friends. Women have struggled for many precious years to obtain equality within society. This struggle for equality eventually led us to a discussion of minority women and the added weight they carry in our community. Inspired by their daily struggles, we effortlessly decided on women of all ethnic groups for our collage.

We quickly came upon the themes of unity and diversity, thus keeping with our observation of female juxtaposition. Our proudest visual is a symbol of unity and diversity in Oklahoma. Our collage shows this by using the symbol of a divided face of different skin tones. Placed upon this face are various pictures of women. These are all women from Oklahoma. They represent various ethnic groups and roles in our community. We have displayed judges, senators, representatives, activists, and many other important political women who have devoted their lives to our great state. This face is surrounded by images that are unique and special to only our community. We have the face extending beyond the background because we acknowledge how women have risen past their conflicts and obstacles. Women from Oklahoma have emerged proudly to represent our state and make a difference.

Highland East Junior High
Writing Club