IndexAnalysis of Cunningham's ArgumentsMy InsightsImplications and RecommendationsAmy Cunningham's essay "Why Women Smile" delves into the social expectation that women smile and the implications of this expectation on women's emotional labor and autonomy. Cunningham says women are often expected to smile to please others, and this expectation can be oppressive and limiting. In this essay I will analyze Cunningham's arguments and provide my perspective on the issues she raises. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Analysis of Cunningham's Arguments Cunningham begins his essay by recounting a personal experience in which a stranger told him to smile on the street. She uses this experience to illustrate the pervasive nature of the expectation that women smile and how this can manifest in everyday interactions. Cunningham then explores the historical and cultural roots of the smile expectation, pointing out that women have long been expected to be pleasant and accommodating to others. She also discusses the impact of this expectation on women's emotional well-being, highlighting the emotional labor women often have to do to meet society's expectations. One of the key points Cunningham makes is that the pressure for women to smile is often an obstacle. way of monitoring women's emotions and exercising control over their behavior. She argues that this expectation can be especially burdensome for women dealing with difficult emotions or challenging circumstances, as it forces them to suppress their true feelings and prioritize the comfort of others. Cunningham also touches on the intersectionality of the smiling expectation, highlighting that women of color and working-class women may experience additional layers of oppression in relation to this expectation. My Insights As I reflect on Cunningham's arguments, I am struck by how the smiling expectation The expectation that women smile reflects broader power dynamics in society. Demanding women to appear pleasant and accommodating perpetuates traditional gender roles and reinforces the idea that women exist to serve others. This expectation not only limits women's autonomy and emotional expression, but also contributes to the perpetuation of gender inequality. Furthermore, the expectation of smiling may also have implications for women's mental health. Constantly suppressing your true emotions and prioritizing the comfort of others can be emotionally exhausting and harmful to your well-being. Women should have the freedom to express a range of emotions without fear of judgment or retaliation. The insistence on women's smiles as a means of making others feel comfortable ultimately denies women the right to authentic emotional expression. Implications and Recommendations Cunningham's essay raises important questions about the impact of social expectations on women's autonomy and emotional well-being. It pushes us to consider the ways in which gender expectations and norms contribute to the perpetuation of inequality and oppression of women. In light of these insights, it is critical to challenge the smile expectation and work to create a more inclusive and equitable society. One way to address this issue is to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smiling expectations and support a more inclusive and empathetic society. social norms. This can be achieved through education, support and the promotion of empathy and.