The Empowering Narrative of 'Iron Widow by Helen

The Empowering Narrative of 'Iron Widow by Helen - October 2023 Scholarship Essay

"Iron Widow" is an exciting tale that explores the life of Wu Zetian, a character who embodies strength, determination, and defiance in a world defined by oppressive gender norms. Set in a historical China-inspired society, Huaxia, the story unfolds in a futuristic setting where colossal mechas, powered by qi energy, are the last line of defense against relentless Hundun attacks. However, this society is deeply patriarchal, reserving the role of mecha pilots, known as Chrysalises, exclusively for men, while confining women to the status of concubine copilots.

Wu Zetian's journey begins with a loss as her sister is chosen as a concubine and meets a tragic fate during battle, her life force drained by her male pilot. Seeking justice, Wu Zetian enlists in the military with the intent of becoming a concubine herself to confront her sister's killer. However, her path takes an unexpected turn when she becomes an unwilling participant in a mecha battle. It is later revealed in the book that the male and female seats in the mechas are rigged. They are adjusted to ensure the female never overpowers the male, keeping the males safe and alive. It is here that she defies the system's rigged rules, emerging as the Iron Widow, the first female to drain her male partner's qi, ending his life in the process. Her strength lies not in physical might but in her resilience.

A central theme of this book is misogyny and the objectification of women. The book portrays the challenges and hardships female concubines experience in media and public perception. In the Chrysalis program, female concubines are heavily exploited and are portrayed as seductive figures for the media. Their personal lives are televised and their revealing appearances are plastered on billboards for public consumption, reducing the women to mere objects. Wu Zetian, despite her popularity with the public, remains heavily objectified, yet her resilience against the dehumanizing gaze of society sets her apart. She confronts the patriarchal society and emerges as a symbol of courage and purpose.

The theme of male favoritism is another compelling aspect of the story. In the Chrysalis program, male pilots are celebrated and given the best resources to perform well and protect the nation. The males are seen as saviors of humanity and are pampered heavily. In stark contrast, female concubines are treated as expendable resources, providing not just emotional and sexual support but also serving as a source of energy for the mechas. This biased system prioritizes the comfort and survival of male pilots, continuing a cycle of exploitation and sacrifice among female concubines.

Like Wu Zetian, I too have chosen a path that is often seen as traditionally masculine and physically demanding. I have joined the military, an environment where physical strength and endurance are highly valued. However, similar to Wu Zetian's experience, my physical attributes may not align with the stereotypical image of a soldier. Standing at 5 feet and weighing 120 pounds, I am not a "strong" or "fast" individual. But what I've come to realize, just as Wu Zetian did, is that true strength goes beyond physical attributes. It's about mental strength, determination, and the willingness to challenge societal norms. In our world, women are also objectified, from distasteful comments on social media to cat-calling in public, it has become normal for women to be treated this way. Wu Zetian refuses to be reduced to a mere object of desire, and so will I. Much like in the patriarchal society of Huaxia depicted, there are still major gender biases and expectations that can limit women, from pursuing their ambitions and dreams.

In addition, I am also continuing my education in the field of STEM. It's a field that is undeniably male-dominated, and like Wu Zetian's defiance in "Iron Widow," I see my pursuit of STEM as a parallel journey of constant challenges. Wu Zetian's story served as a powerful motivator for me. Her resilience, her refusal to be defined solely by her physical limitations, and her determination to break free from the oppressive system in "Iron Widow" are all qualities I found inspiring.

In my own journey, I've drawn strength from Wu Zetian's character and the message of empowerment that "Iron Widow" conveys. It has motivated me to face the constraints of a patriarchal world and to believe in my mental strength and abilities. Wu Zetian's impact on me is a reminder that we can all be agents of change and advocates for gender equality, even in environments where the odds may seem stacked against us.