[UrMomReadsHN]

>If they thought they were being put down, there were many opportunities for them to have thrown down the metaphorical chains and shackles

The problem with that thinking is it ignores the way women are socialize by society and culture. The way people view themselves is influenced by the culture they grew up in and how society views them in their formative years and the influences they have from the media. These are subtle and not intentional.

You are only looking through your cultural lense.