Our society has a set of ideas about how we expect men and women to dress, behave and present

ourselves. Every types of society, ethnic group and culture has gender role expectations, but they can be
different from group to group. But most often women are stereotyped because of their gender. Putting
up a label, a stigma that women is always the weaker sex that they have to follow set of role dictated by
our society. The story “Why women washes the dishes” by Filomena Colenderino provides a humorous
depiction of the couple, Hugo and Imelda, and their ongoing argument over washing the dishes. While
the narrative is filled with exaggerated situations and comedic elements, it also raises some underlying
issues that are worth exploring in greater detail.

At its core, the story revolves around the trivial chore of washing dishes. However, it serves as a vehicle
to highlight larger problems within the couple’s relationship. Imelda frequently scolds Hugo and resorts
to name-calling and even physical aggression when he refuses to help with the dishes. This portrayal
reveals a lack of communication and understanding between them, as well as a power struggle for
control. Imelda’s aggressive behavior and demeaning language are indicative of a larger issue: the
unequal distribution of household responsibilities. She enumerates the tasks she performs, such as
cooking, cleaning the house, washing clothes, and scrubbing the floor, and compares them to Hugo’s
seemingly relaxed activities, like watching the carabao graze. Imelda feels overburdened and
unappreciated, which fuels her frustration and resentment towards Hugo. When children witness the
unequal distribution of household chores, it influences their understanding of gender roles and
expectations. By assigning dishwashing primarily to women, we inadvertently teach young girls that
their value lies in domestic work, perpetuating gender inequality from one generation to the next.
Similarly, boys may internalize the belief that they are exempt from certain chores, reinforcing a sense
of entitlement.

On the other hand, Hugo is depicted as a submissive character who tries to avoid conflict by hiding at his
friend’s house until Imelda’s anger subsides. This portrayal reflects the traditional concept of a
henpecked husband, where one partner dominates the other. Hugo’s fear of confrontation and his
reluctance to assert himself indicate a power imbalance within their relationship. While the story
emphasizes the comedic aspects of their argument, it also touches upon the deeper issues that can
strain a marriage if left unresolved. It highlights the significance of effective communication, mutual
respect, and shared responsibilities in maintaining a healthy relationship. Imelda’s nagging and constant
complaints create an environment of tension and negativity, eroding the foundation of trust and
affection between the couple. The use of humor in the story serves as a way to approach these sensitive
topics indirectly, making it easier to digest and reflect upon the underlying problems. By presenting the
situation in an exaggerated manner, the story elicits laughter while inviting readers to contemplate the
serious implications of unresolved conflicts and power imbalances.

In a broader context, the story also sheds light on societal norms and expectations surrounding gender
roles. Imelda assumes the role of the stereotypical wife, burdened with domestic duties, while Hugo
represents the passive husband who conforms to these traditional expectations. This depiction provides
an opportunity to examine and question such gender dynamics within relationships and the broader
social context. The traditional expectation that women should wash the dishes places an unfair burden
on them and perpetuates gender inequality within the household. By singling out this specific chore as
primarily a woman’s responsibility, society reinforces the notion that certain tasks are inherently
feminine, reinforcing outdated stereotypes.

Assigning dishwashing duties to women reinforces harmful gender stereotypes that limit their
opportunities and perpetuate the notion that their primary role lies within the domestic sphere. This not
only undermines women’s autonomy and personal growth but also restricts their potential contributions
to other aspects of life beyond the kitchen. Dishwashing can be time-consuming and physically
demanding, particularly in households with large families or frequent gatherings. When women are
solely responsible for this task, it may limit their ability to pursue other interests, engage in leisure
activities, or dedicate time to personal and professional growth. This can perpetuate a cycle where
women’s opportunities for self-development are compromised.

The characters were funny. But if we read the story deeply without just looking to the ridiculous side.
There was a trouble because of the reason that why they should argue to themselves in terms of the
dishes. In reality, washing dishes was just a minor problem of a husband and wife. Fault-findings and
counting each contributions. Complaints actually was one of the factor where in marriage relationship
results into separation, if not properly settled. Say for instance, “And what do you do?” asked Ka
Maldang. “ You tie the carabao the reeds in the field and then you lie down on the grass to watch it
graze. You call that hard work? I cook, clean the house, wash your clothes, I scrub the floor, I do all the
work that only slaves should do. And yet, you even refuse to help me wash the plate from which you
have eaten?” Ka Maldang complained. From the statement of Ka Maldang that was really offensive on
the part of Ka Ugong. She kept on counting and nagging the things she does and compared those on the
work of Ka Ugong all day. Due to her anger, she picked the broom and kept striking Ka Ugong where in
she tend to hurt her husband not just emotionally but physically. As Ka maldang striked her husband, Ka
Ugong ducked under the table. He cried “Don’t”. “Don’t strike me? “Come out under the table, you
coward,” ordered Ka Maldang. As to the couples conversation, there represents Ka Ugong as a
henpecked man.

In conclusion, while the story initially appears to be a lighthearted portrayal of a couple’s dispute over
washing the dishes, it subtly addresses deeper issues such as communication breakdown, unequal
distribution of responsibilities, and power imbalances. By using humor and exaggeration, it allows
readers to reflect on these issues in a non-threatening manner. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that
open communication, mutual respect, and equitable sharing of responsibilities are essential for a
healthy and harmonious relationship.