Smith defines the term wife-beater and opposes the use of this term for this undershirt common among men, women and children, as this slang term relates to domestic violence. Although there seems to be no exact information regarding when the shirt and its name came together, she refers to the Oxford Dictionary, which defines the term wife-beater as:
1. A man who physically abuses his wife, and
2. Tank-style underwear shirts.
According to the World Book Dictionary, the term wife-beater originates in the 1970s. Its meaning comes from the stereotype of the Midwestern male wearing an undershirt while beating his wife. This shirt is said to have been popular in the 1980s at all types of sporting events. Sportspersons and professionals were commonly noticed in this undershirt. Fashion designers have popularized the shirt, making it available in all colours, sizes, and price ranges. Here, Smith is astonished at a business strategy that promotes abuse against women, either by their husbands or boyfriends. She claims that wearers under 25 do not seem to be disturbed by the name wife-beater, but it does offend her. The name connotes dominance and violence against females. It is not just the name that worries me, but its connotation with a negative influence on youngsters/children is objectionable to her. Her concern is justified throughout her writing as she keeps making sense of the derogatory meaning of wife-beater and statistics of women's violence (4 million women are victims of severe assaults by boyfriends and husbands each year in the USA, and the average age of batterer is 31). She means this abusive term has been used so lightly. She tries to make the wearers under 25 understand the impact of the term and the seriousness of the activity like wife-beating.
In paragraphs 4 and 5, she states that the term has been accepted so lightly and nobody — men, women, sportspeople, even professionals — minds it. In paragraph 3, as she states that the name is the issue, she talks about male dominance, where physical abuse is acceptable as a means of control in paragraph 11. It is indeed a fatal concept transmitted to the young generation in the form of a fashion statement. The name of the sleeveless shirt and domestic violence are interconnected. The popularity of such a fashion statement depicts the abusive nature of men. This can also be understood as domestic violence is a cause, and the name of this dress is an effect.
Although she notes that it is a pretty rare type of dress that can make both men and women look sexier, it does never mean that this remark undercuts her credibility. The statement is a pleasant switch from the serious tone.
In paragraph 14, Smith shows her concern towards today's youth who seems to ignore the connotations of the term wife-beater. The connotation of the term is obviously a serious matter; this can direct children to learn violent behaviour from their elders because they can probably perceive it normally. As we know, children copy behaviour from their elders and surroundings. Children can understand that this act of violence reflects masculinity in them.
Smith states that this popular shirt with its objectionable name, wife-beater, teaches the wrong thing about men. On the basis of the meaning, the term portrays men in a wife-beater as violent characters, and they use their violent nature as a tool to control women. According to some articles, men with great bodies look great and are even "manly" to women. Here, Smith questions: so manly equals violent? She does never mean that manly equals violent, and she hopes the same on the part of those women quoted in articles and others of any age group.
Therefore, Smith's main purpose in this essay is to intrigue her readers to think about the derogatory sense the term wife-beater reflects, and she expects a better alternative name for the ubiquitous ribbed white T-shirt. Furthermore, she also intends to convince the readers to analyse the connection established between masculinity and dominance and violence by society and to challenge this link laid out between them.
Comprehension
1. Why is Smith "disturbed" (5) by the name "wife-beater"? Do you think her concern is justified?
Smith believes that the widely held concept behind the term "wife-beater" is harmful and thinks that this name given to such a common undershirt is making domestic violence a light issue. It makes sense that it is strange to use such a term for widely used clothing. It is really disturbing to see a magazine celebrate the return of the "wife-beater". Such thoughtless use of this term ignores the seriousness of the issue it refers to.
2. In paragraph 3, Smith says, "The name is the issue"; in paragraph 11, she says, "It's not just the name that worries me." What does she mean by each statement? Do these two statements contradict each other?
With the statement "The name is the issue", Smith tries to emphasize that this sort of name for a popular costume like this is inappropriate because it seems to suggest that the issue of domestic abuse is not a serious problem. In paragraph 11, when she says that "It's not just the name that worries me", she is referring to the significance of the shirt as a fashion statement. Smith compares the wife-beater's style is similar to that of suits and shoulder pads in that they convey a sense of male dominance, which Smith believes is a dangerous idea.
These statements seem to be contradictory at the surface level, but in context, her point makes sense.3. What relationship does Smith see between the name of a sleeveless undershirt and the prevalence of family violence? Does she believe a casual connection does — or could — exist? If so, which is the cause, and which is the effect?
Smith believes that there is a connection between the name and the prevalence of violence. She understands that the term brings the perception of society to the surface because this kind of name, which seems to take domestic violence lightly, has been given to such a popular sleeveless undershirt.
The refusal and prevalence of domestic violence are the cause, whereas the name of the shirt is the effect.
4. In paragraph 12, Smith acknowledges that the shirt "can make both men and women look sexier." Does this remark in any way undercut her credibility? Explain.
I think this does not appear to weaken her argument. It actually enhances Smith's credibility. This comment provides a welcome change from the gloomy, serious tone of the rest of the article and has a much lighter tone. She is just saying that it is a pity that such a versatile piece of clothing has such a bad name.
5. How, according to Smith, does calling a shirt a wife-beater teach women "the wrong thing about men" (15)?
According to Smith, a lot of women think this style of shirt looks great on men. She mentions one woman who called the appearance of a man in this shirt "manly". She thinks that equating violence with manliness is to equate a shirt that is referred to as a "wife-beater".
Purpose and Audience
1. How do you think Smith expects her audience to react to her opening statement ("Everybody wears them")?
She probably anticipates that her audience will be interested in learning more about what Smith will be talking about throughout the essay ahead.
2. Why do you think Smith wrote this essay? Does she hope to change the name of the T-shirt, or does she seem to have a more ambitious purpose?
Smith's purpose behind writing this essay is to focus on and discuss the problematic nature of the name "wife-beater" of such a popular sleeveless undershirt. She does not seem to be happy with this name and wants it to be changed. She also appeals to the readers to examine the connection society has established between masculinity and dominance/violence and to challenge that link.
3. Twice in her essay, Smith mentions a group she calls "wearers under 25" (5, 13). Does she seem to direct her remarks at these young adults or at older readers? At wearers of the shirts or at a more general audience?
Yes, she directs her remarks at wearers under 25 because if there is anyone to consider her ideas, then it is none other than this group of people. However, it does not mean that only those who wear the shirts are targeted by her through this essay, but a more general audience because the name is used by all who are not wearing the shirts as well.
4. Restate Smith's thesis in your own words.
The term "wife-beater" used to describe a popular sleeveless shirt style trivializes domestic violence and emphasizes the link between violence and masculinity.
Style and Structure
1. Why do you think Smith begins her essay by explaining the popularity of sleeveless undershirts? Is this an effective opening strategy?
Smith wants the reader to understand how pervasive these shirts are in our daily lives. This is done in order to let the reader know that the kind of tank she is referring to is not something that only a very specialized group of people wear. This increases how unexpected it is that the garment has such an odd name.
2. In paragraph 7, Smith reproduces a formal definition from the Oxford Dictionary. Why does she include this definition when she has already defined her term? What, if anything, does the formal definition add?
She adds this definition in part to demonstrate the term's increasing usage as well as to highlight the differences between the two definitions. The reader is reminded that this phrase is also a clear allusion to physical violence by giving the reader the first definition from a dictionary: "A man who physically abuses his wife".
3. Where does Smith present information on the history of the wife-beater? Why does she include this kind of information?
In paragraphs 8 through 10, Smith discusses the history of the wife-beater. Without a background, it is difficult to comprehend how this term would have been so common; therefore, this information is important in order to make sense of how this term grew prominence in our daily language.
4. Where does Smith quote statistics? Do you see this information as relevant or incidental to her argument?
Smith adds statistical information in paragraph 13. These figures support Smith's argument that domestic violence is still a big problem. She also wants her reader to understand this.
Vocabulary Projects
1. Define each of the following words as it is used in this section.
gusto (4) : enthusiasm
2. In paragraph 12, Smith says, "There has to be a better term." Can you think of a "better term" — one that does not suggest violence — for the shirt Smith describes?
This clothing can be referred to as either a ribbed tank or just a plain white sleeveless shirt.
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