As I read about the role of woman in Han China, and their role in the household according to Confucius teachings. I always laugh and think of just how rebellious of traditionalism in China Wu Zetian was. There seems to be no aspect of Chinese history she does not counter with her tale. She did everything a woman in China was not supposed to do to include being the 1st and last female emperor of China. The story of course told best in Wu Zhao by N. Harry Rothschild was a fascinating true story of the rise of Wu Zetian through the ranks of Chinese government. from concubine to Empress of China, almost a counter culture tale and one that feels impossible to be true considering the times of her reign.
Though the reference and tale does not really go with the course topic it is the existence of Zu Wetian and her rebellion against Chinese traditionalism that ties it in.
There is one part of her rise to reign in which might tie in better with the course readings. her usage of her husband and son first to put herself in the position to become emperor lets us see just how difficult it was for even the most capable woman to attain power. She needed to be in the right position because of a man in order to seize power.
Women’s role in society is always a topic I find interesting because of its parallels across almost every culture and society that has existed through time. There are slight differences between cultures but they always fall in to the same hierarchy based off Gender.