One of the topics that stand out from the documentary Cowboy Del Amor is Ivan’s view of women. From the documentary, Ivan is a man who believes that a woman’s place is at home. His view is that women should not progress. His actions when his wife decides to learn English evidence this aspect of Ivan’s character. Her decision to learn English leads to him leaving her since she was no longer, what he wanted in a woman. It is also evident that he views women as commodities in a market. Thus, he starts a business where his main aim is to find women for lonely men. He charges men up to $ 3000 to find them an ideal woman based on his view of women. He also places ‘wanted’ advertisements in the newspaper where he describes women like wares. It is also clear that the individuals who pay him for his services also view women in the same way.
This behavior or attitude does not reside in one particular context. It is clear that this view of women is propagated from one generation to the other. This has not only affected men in the portrayed society but also the women. The women who agree to the interviews and the marriages have very low self-esteem, which may be explained of their upbringing. They have been brought up to believe that they are a weaker and dependent gender that needs a man to provide. In addition, they have been raised to believe that the role of a woman is to stay at home and obey her man.
The larger question that these ideas raise is what role can the upbringing of girls and boys can play at ensuring the view of women in society is improved. In addition, how can the empowerment of women in such conditions be achieved in order to improve their self-esteem.
