When did women whose looks are not their living start conducting themselves like the simpering inmates of an Ottoman empire seraglio?

Summary

This quote criticizes women who prioritize their physical appearance over personal achievements or professional capabilities. It suggests that some women, who do not rely on their looks for their livelihood, have adopted behavior reminiscent of submissive individuals in an Ottoman empire seraglio (the women's quarters of a wealthy household). The quote questions why these women would exhibit behavior that diminishes their own agency and compares it to the passivity associated with historical contexts where women were often confined and limited. It serves as a commentary on the significance society places on superficial beauty and urges women to value and assert themselves beyond their physical appearance.

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