LEARNING MODULE 1
In 3-4 paragraphs, please respond to the following questions by adding a “comment” to THIS post (rather than creating a new one)
First, please write 5 words to describe your general perspective of what Feminism is prior to reading this week’s assigned readings. Then write 5 words to describe your perspective after reading this week’s readings. Please write a brief reflection of how your views have or have not changed and why? Can you identify the primary ideologies and institutions that have informed YOUR view of Feminism today. [Please speak honestly, there is no “right” or “wrong” answer]
Second, After having read the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions given at the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention of 1848, and the two documents written by the National Organization for Women in the 1960s, do you think that there are any similar grievances that are still unresolved in U.S. society today? What are they? In other words, what are the limits on women’s rights that still need to be addressed and which resolutions have not been fully fulfilled. In your opinion, which of these is most urgent? Please draw from these documents directly in your answer.
Finally, what perspective does Sojourner Truth offer to both movements? How is her perspective different than the Seneca Falls document and why? How do you think her speech might have helped women’s rights activists? How might it have hindered them? Why is this important?
The Seneca Falls Declaration focused on the "social, civil, and religious condition and rights of woman. The Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions used the format of the Declaration of Independence as a model. This use of the Declaration of Independence was for the most part appropriate at that time.
ReplyDeleteSojourner Truth embraced abolitionism and women's rights. A charismatic speaker, Sojourner Truth speech, "Ain't I a Woman?" challenged cultural beliefs, including the natural inferiority of women, and biblical justifications for the second-class status of women. The roots of the American women's rights movement date to the mid-19th century with the focus on suffrage, or the right to vote, for women. Sojourner Truth sought equality in the workplace and elsewhere. The significant presence of women in the workforce became accepted, but many women found their efforts at career advancement dissatisfied by gender discrimination.
National Organization for Woman (NOW), wanted woman's life to have little more meaning beyond love, marriage, and motherhood. Political pressure from women had achieved limited success. National Organization for Woman (NOW) statement of purpose that emphasized that U.S. women's demands for equality were part of an worldwide human rights movement and challenged the United States to pay attention to women's complaints and demands. It also criticized the U.S. government for falling behind other industrial nations in providing health care, child care, and pregnancy leave for women and labeled these as social needs, not individual problems. National Organization for Woman adopted a Bill of Rights whose demands were all aimed at disassembling institutionalized gender discrimination. Basically, all three stories are alike they were all fighting got women’s rights.
When I first think of Feminism, I think of women’s right to vote, activists, enthusiast, single women, marches, and absolutely no men. The image that comes to mind is this black and white photo of women marching carrying flags, with banners across their chest saying, “Let women vote.” This was the picture that constantly came up in my high school textbooks. What I did not realize was that in the 1960s there was a second wave of feminism. I assume that my high school teachers did not focus on this too much due to the Civil Right Movement that was going on also during this time.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the readings for this week, I understand that the women’s movement was made up of so much more. These Feminists were fighting for women’s right in education, jobs, and the household. Also, married women were part of this movement, as well as some men. They also did much more than just hold marches, but had entire conventions dedicated to making sure all men and women were treated equally. These readings also helped me discover a whole new meaning to the words activist and enthusiast.
I honestly believe that all of the main issues the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention of 1848 and the National Organization for Women (NOW) have been accomplished. Both wanted America to realize that “all men and women are created equal” (314) and “that women first and foremost are human beings, who, like all other people in our society, must have a chance to develop their fullest human potential” (323). I believe that a woman today can honestly do anything a man can do, from becoming the President of The United States to being the sole provider for her family while the husband stays at home with the kids. The only article in the NOW Bill of Rights 1986 that has not been accomplish, which I agree should not be made legal, is the women’s right to abortion. With as many good parents as there are out there who cannot have children of their own, there is no reason for any child to be murder before they even get a chance to see the greatness of the world.
I think Sojourner Truth gives a different perspective to the movement because she focuses on not only the rights of women, but also the rights black women. She kind of starts to point the finger at men saying that they are not as innocent and respectful of women when it comes to certain things such as chivalry. Her perspective is also different from the others because she does not only want men and women to be treated equal, but also that men should be thanking women because Christ came “from God and a women! Man had nothing to do with Him” (320). I believe she definitely made women’s rights activists nervous because some men were starting to think it was acceptable for white women to vote, but there was no way a black woman could. Many thought speeches like Truth’s could truly hurt the woman’s movement.
Before reading the readings, I thought Feminism began as seeking suffrage, justice, equality, security, and very liberal. After reading the readings I still would describe feminism with the same 5 words. I didn’t change my views because; to me, this is exactly what feminism is about. Feminists are always striving to be equal to men and not be discriminated against just because of their sex. One ideology that was proven wrong was the saying, “A woman will never be as strong as a man.” Women are mentally capable of doing anything and with child bearing; I believe they are just as physically strong also.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the goals in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions and the NOW Bill of Rights were accomplished. Women now have equal rights as men and are no longer discriminated against in any field of work, education, or households. Women are no longer looked at as inferior to a man because it has been proven that women can do just as much, if not more, as men do. There are no longer limits set on a woman’s rights. Women are now able to have equal employment opportunities as men and still maintain a healthy household for their families.
Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I Woman?” allows us to see the movements from not only a woman but a black woman’s perspective. She is a woman who not only is discriminated against for her sex but also her race. Her speech is different from the Seneca Falls document in that she tells of how much harder it is for her to gain rights as a woman because at the same time she is battling having to gain rights as an African American. The speech would have helped women’s rights activist because women would have become aware of how important these rights would be not for just Caucasian women but for all women of every race and it told of how if it weren’t for the woman man would not even exist. It may have hindered them because it was so bold, and during that time African Americans as a whole were looked down upon and if African American women became involved in the movement their families would have been put in jeopardy and not much would have been done for the movement because women may have become afraid of the consequences they faced. This speech is important because it gives you a new outlook on how things were for women at the time.
Prior to this week’s readings, I would have described feminism in these five words: angry, activist, attention seeking, liberal, equal rights. Even after readings I would not change my view on feminism. I still believe that it is angry women who are not confident enough in their own abilities to accomplish what they want in life. I have nothing against women and have nothing against women that want equality. It is just the radical feminist that I am describing. Women are just as capable of men and have every opportunity to do so.
ReplyDeleteAs stated earlier, I believe that the things addressed in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions given at the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention have been handled. Women in today’s society are given every opportunity and right that men are given. There is no sex discrimination in America today in my opinion. I believe that this was evident in the 2008 election process. Although many men and women were questionable about Sarah Palin becoming Vice President, she proved that women can be just as equal as men. Even though her party didn’t win, she set the example for all women that anything can be accomplished.
Sojourner Truth’s lets you look at both movements. Truth’s speech was very bold and dangerous for the women’s movement. She was not just speaking for the women; she was speaking for the African American society. Her speech is different from the Seneca because it talks about the struggles of the African American society and not just women. This speech might have helped women’s activist in the way that her speech was so charismatic and bold. It brought a lot of attention to the whole movement. It got a lot of African American women on board along with white women. The speech also hurt the activist in a way that the whole African American society was still looked down upon. All of the leaders of main positions were Caucasian men. The charismatic speech of an African American would upset many, but the charismatic speech of an African American woman was even worse.
Prior to the readings assigned; I would describe feminism as: bravery, social, will of the women, unity, and strength. To be a feminist, you must be strong, not only at on the outside, but on the inside as well. Being a feminist, you are going to come across some very hateful people. They are going to try and tell you what to believe. But you have to stay strong. Unity is also a key part in being a feminist. Being part of a group or unit, is a way to show power and a way to show how strong you believe.
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing the readings I have a better understanding of what feminism is: sexual politics, organizations, a new revolution, a call-to-action, and hard work. Until today; people still don't see just how serious feminism is. There are organization being brought together. There is a new revolution about to begin.
In the Declaration of Sentiments there is an issue that was stated to be resolved, but I feel like it hasn't been just yet. The issue is " That women is man's equal." To me that is still an issue in todays society. For example, in working situations, studies show that men are more likely to get the job over women. But why? Women are just as capable leading groups.
Sojourner Truth was a very strong woman. Her speech " Ain't I a Woman," opened the eyes for both men and women. She spoke not only to whites but blacks too. She says that men should give women the same respect, and that both men and women were created equally. Sojourner made some very good points. I'm sure it made people think differently, and it helped the women's rights activists greatly.
-Equality, liberals, women’s rights, activists, freedom.
ReplyDelete-Equality, freedom, rights, opportunity, compassion
After reading the text my views didn’t really change too much. I think that women were mistreated and shouldn’t have been treated the way they were. Feminist worked hard to get their freedom and rights and it paid off. In today’s society women have every opportunity as men do. I think that women are just as capable of doing anything men can do.
After reading the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions given at the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention I think that all of the issues have been resolved and accomplished. Women now have the same rights and opportunity that men do. Women are no longer discriminated against and are not looked down upon in society. Women now hold the same job, education, and political opportunities as men. I don’t think that there is any limits that still need to be addressed and everything in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions have been resolved.
I think that Sojourner Truths “Aint I a Women?” speech definitely touches both movements. Women were still being looked down upon but not nearly as African Americans. It was different from the Seneca Falls Convention because it wasn’t just about discrimination of women but discrimination of the African American race. Her speech was very brave because she was speaking for both parties. I like her biblical reference “where did your Christ come from? From God and a women!”(320). Many white women thought it would hurt their Feminist movement because African Americans were still looked down upon and her speech could have turned many white male leaders away. But I think her speech was very courageous and was a big part in the feminist movement but also the African American movement.
Prior to reading this week’s assigned readings, I saw feminism as women fighting for equality, respect, and a voice in society, through very passionate and determined actions. After these readings, my view on feminism didn’t exactly change, but I attained more detailed information. Feminists may come across as angry or hostile because they are so passionate in what they believe and it has been a long hard journey to get to where we are now.
ReplyDeleteI think that the issues that are addressed in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions given at the Seneca Falls Women’s Right Convention of 1848, and the two documents written by NOW in the 1960s have been resolved but not completely. Women are being offered equal opportunities as men, but the acceptance of that opportunity is not necessarily fair. In the article I posted above, it is discussing the rate at which colleges are accepting/rejecting women as compared to men. There are also similar situations occurring in the employment processes.
Sojourner Truth gave the perspective from an African American woman’s point of view. It was hard enough to fight for women’s rights during this time period, but African Americans were also looked down upon because of their race. “Ain’t I a Woman?” was delivered as a speech rather than a formal document. By Truth speaking these words, the audience would be able to not only hear, but also feel how passionate she was about the situation. She used the comparison of men and women to effectively communicate her views. This speech could have helped the women’s movement because of the way it was communicated; however, considering the time period, it could have had a negative reaction because it came from not only a woman, but an African American woman. It depends on the audience.
Before reading about feminism the words that came to my mind right away were ambition, leadership, equality, rights, and strength. After reading the passage I was highly thrown back by how horribly women were treated. The words that I now use to describe feminism are strong, pride, independence, social standing and power. The passage in the textbook opened my eyes to exactly how women were treated not too long ago. I was always aware of the basics of what women were or were not allowed to do, but not the full extent. For example how women weren't even allowed in some of the top Ivy League schools or how they had to sleep with their bosses. We had no say so in our own lives.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the articles I got a better understanding of what the women went through fifty years ago. Women have proved themselves right, we no longer just have to be a housewife and raise our children we can do whatever we like. In today’s society I believe we have came a long way from how women used to be treated. Women can do anything a man can do from becoming president of the United States to being a CEO. I believe we have accomplished everything in that was stated in the National Organization for Women, “National Organization for Women Statement of Purpose.”
In Sojourner Truth, “Ain’t I a Women” she expressed how she was not only a women wanting equality, but she was an African American women. Therefore she was struggling to be heard. During that time period African Americans were looked down upon, so her speaking and fighting for her rights was pretty bold. Her speech might would have helped women activist because it might have opened their eyes that not only Caucasian women wanted to become equal, so did African Americans. However since she was African American it might have hurt their movement. The Feminist movement might have become less creditable simply due to the fact that Sojourner was African American.
Prior to reading this week's assigned readings I first viewed feminism as: Activists, rights, unity, equality, freedom
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this week's readings I viewed feminism as: Compassion, attention seeking, powerful, integrity, angry
My views on feminism have changed because I honestly didn’t know how intense the views of some women are. They will do all that they can in order to gain attention and respect from those around them. The women involved in feminism movements are women I would not want to mess with, they have a drive and it will be accomplished no matter what they have to do. The institutions that have formed my view of Feminism today are business offices and schools. A lot of women are CEO’s now and school principals. Principals are the leaders of schools and women have been placed in this role.
For the majority, I believe most of the main arguments in the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention of 1848 and the National Organization for Women have succeeded. Today, women are given the same opportunities as men at jobs with the same pay. The limits on women’s rights that still need to be addressed are more on African American women. I do not believe they have the same rights and women in general.
Favor of a job position doesn’t automatically favor the men anymore. I believe that Sojourner Truths “Aint I a Women?” puts emphasis on both movements. Although women for the most part have the same opportunities, they are still looked down a bit today. But African Americans are still looked down to more then white women. Her speech was extremely impactful and the audience and readers could easily be drawn in and captivated by this speech. It was easy to see how compassionate she felt about his situation. I don’t believe it hindered anyone except for the realization that this subject was real and a real struggle. This is important because not everyone realizes what’s going on until someone with passion brings the issue up and attacks it.
Before reading this the word feminism brought few word to mind: sisterhood, equality, strength, activist, and empowering. After reading this those words did not change too drastically. This made me realize how terrible women were treated. Reading this article mainly reassured myself that women can do great things. The words I would use to describe feminism now are: independent, powerful, radicalism, prideful, and roll model. I have always been aware of the struggles women went through years ago, but reading this showed me how tough it truly was. My views really have not changed, because I have been educated on women's suffrage. Women accomplished a lot and that is why our society today is pretty equal. Women can do anything a man can do, and finally today most people see that.
ReplyDeleteFifty plus years ago women were made to be a "mother-woman", basically someone who cooked, cleaned and just kept the house together. I firmly believe that women can do anything and everything a man can or can't do. Women are no different then men and should not be told they are any less. Something that must change is that women who work in the same work place as men, doing the same things as men are paid less. Something like this is urgent and must be fixed quickly.
Sojurner Truths "Ain't I a Women?" is very moving and so true. White women to black women is the same as a white women to a man. That being stated is truly unfair, and honestly truly dumb. She was very passionate and that is what gets peoples attention.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteEquality, gender, society, discrimination, opportunities
ReplyDeleteHistorical, strength, respect, hope, change
My views of feminism have not changed after the readings. Feminism is an important part of our past that many over look. Women’s rights have come so far and continue to do so. Women wanted and still want to be treated equal to men. Feminism is used for women to express themselves and to be heard by the public. The feminists in the past made such an impact that allowed us women to have all the rights we have today. I wouldn’t say I’m a feminist—however, I take pride in being a woman. A feminist characteristic I do attain is the competitiveness I have towards men, whether it’s in school or sports. They seem so assure of themselves when they’re up against a woman that I take the joy in proving them wrong and doing something better than them (and trust me, I’ll rub it in their face).
Looking back in the past to where women’s rights were complete ignored and non-existent, I believe that women’s rights have come such a long way and have achieved many of the past’s concerns. A similarity I found presented in NOW with today’s women’s issues is that women still take the position of not working to stay home to take care of the children and do household work. Another issue that has not been addressed today is the issue of abortion presented in NOW. Many states limit abortion practices or make them so hard to receive. This being a controversial issue today, women do not have the right of their body in relation to receiving abortions. Despite a few issues women continue to fight for today, women continue to prove themselves in our society by receiving respectable jobs, being involved with politics and proving to the world a women is capable of doing anything a man can.
Sojourner Truth wanted to address women that although she is black, she is a woman too with the same ambition to achieve equality—among genders and races. She was searching to find out if this women’s movement would benefit African American women also. Her speech differed from the Seneca Falls document because instead of addressing laws that discriminate against women, she was sharing personal experiences, which allowed the audience to connect more to her issue, rather than just listing laws that should be removed to help women’s rights.
prior: not interested, over reacting, men haters, bored, ridiculous
ReplyDeleteafter: concerned, know the real struggles women went through, informed, angry, curious about the turning point
My views toward feminism have done a complete 180 turn around. Before reading and analyzing these assignments, I had a semi negative view toward the feminist movement. I thought that women were just overreacting to small things that have been that way since early civilization. I had no idea what women were actually being discriminated from. After reading these articles, i am completely open to the idea of feminism and am slightly enraged at the major rights that men deprived from women. I believe feminism is the constant fight for rights that are withheld from women by men and believe it is still an active struggle in our society today. Even though the things women are fighting for aren't as extreme as they used to be, they are still important to have.
A limit on women's right that is active in our society is women's rights in marriage. There are numerous cases dealing with women being controlled by their husbands. Also, I feel that women legislation is still not fully fulfilled today and need to be improved. Although there are some women holding positions in the government, it is not at the level that it should be. Men still greatly outnumber women in legislation. Also, people don't take the women seriously because they consider them not strong enough.
Sojourner Truth's perspective gives light to both the suppression of women and the suppression of colored people. Her perspective is different than Seneca Falls document because she is explaining the struggles of a colored women and is trying to get colored women involved in the Women's Rights Movement. Instead of stating the numerous things that men deprived women of like the Seneca Falls document did, She described her own personal experience. I think that her approach would have aided the women's rights activists because it tells a true story that would emotionally influence people to support women's rights. I feel it might have hindered the activists because most of the country was still racist, and associating the movement with colored people might lose a lot of supporters.
Before this week’s assigned readings, five words to describe my general perspective of Feminism were: discrimination, women’s rights, gender roles, activists, and equality. After this week’s assigned readings, my thoughts and general perspective of Feminism has not really changed much. Feminism is pretty much what I described in those five words, except these women that are Feminist are the crazy angry women that many think they are. These women are standing up for what should be right, and what IS right. Without women fighting for what they believed in, who knows what the world would be like today? A lot of situations we run across in a normal day are gender role issues and race issues. Unfortunately problems still exist to this day, but being able to see these first hand in whatever way, is what informs and teaches us of Feminism in today’s society.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions given at the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention of the 1848 and the two documents written by NOW, I do believe that there are grievances that are still unresolved in U.S society today. One issue is some peoples believe that a woman’s role is to stay home to raise a family while a man is the head of the household. Although women are capable of equal pay, holding the same jobs and positions, I do believe that women are still treated differently than men are in certain aspects of life. Women are just as capable to do most everything that a man can do. NOW states that “women can achieve such equality only by accepting to the full challenges and responsibilities they share with all other people in our society, as part of the decision making mainstream of American political, economic and social life”. I believe this is true, but it still is not followed because of some peoples perspectives on the situation.
I believe that Sojourner Truth’s “Aint I a Woman?” speech was intend to inform men and women of all races that equality should not be an issue no matter what a person’s status is. She made it clear that although she is black, she is still a women, and should be treated as any other women should be treated regardless her race. This differs from the Seneca Falls document because not only is she searching for women’s rights, but also fighting for rights as an African American. She addressed the issue that women should not be treated any differently than men. Gender has no effect on a person’s ability. I think that her speech helped women’s rights activists because it showed that not only was it the Caucasian women that was wanting change, but also African American women wanting change. Unfortunately since the speech did come from an African American female, that could have been a hindrance; because of her race as well as her gender.
5 Words for Feminism Before Reading
ReplyDeleteRadical
Self-Righteous
Biased
Fanatical
Uncompromising
5 Words for Feminism After Reading
Passionate
Intelligent
Fervent
Eager
Energetic
I think my views and ideas have changed because I now have a more informed idea of what it means to be a feminist. Women’s rights are more about general equality in the workplace and in all other areas of life. They should not be forced to live in a patriarchal society in which they have no part or representation. Sojourner Truth put it well in essentially saying that women should not be pitied and viewed as weak creatures. As a slave she did the same jobs as the men, and took the same punishments as the men. If there is a sense of equality in the institution of slavery, there should be equality in the world in general. Not just between men and women, but between white people and black people, between white women and black women.
There have been so many advances in women’s rights since both the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention of 1848 and the National Organization for Women Statement of Purpose and Bill of Rights. The biggest resolution that has yet to be fulfilled is the Bill of Rights Demand VIII: The right of women to control their own reproductive lives by removing from penal codes laws limiting access to contraceptive information and devices and laws governing abortion. This is still an issue to this day. We live in the 21st century and people still believe that women should not have access to or knowledge of forms of birth control, and also believe that women should not have the right to choose abortion. Women deserve to be able to make these choices individually without the influence of men and society.
Sojourner Truth not only offers the perspective of women in the mid-1800s and their utter lack of rights, but she offers the perspective of a black woman. As a woman who was born into slavery, gained her freedom, and had the ability to fight for women’s rights, Truth was an anomaly. She spoke about the rights of all women, not just those who were free or not free.
When I think of Feminism, the first concepts that come to my mind would have to be women in general, the characteristics that make a woman, strength and compressing boundaries. After fully analyzing and understanding the topics coverings this week’s readings, my perspective on Feminism hasn’t necessarily changed, but instead, has been uplifted. It’s actually pretty disgusting that men could literally just set women aside as if they were of no use at all. I can’t help but wonder how these men felt they held the executive power to control all aspects of their government. I’m sure this all began thousands of years ago, but still, where did this all begin? Who decided that women were inferior in the first place? My original view of Feminism would probably have to be completely based on what I have learned about Susan B. Anthony and the Women’s Right’s Movement.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, after reading the Seneca Falls attribution and the “Declarations of Sentiments and Resolutions” I am able to see just a few afflictions that just might not have been handled according to convenient. In the first meeting on women’s rights in the US, it was noted that “He has endeavored, in every way that he could, to destroy her confidence in her own powers, to lessen her self-respect, and to make her willing to lead a dependent and abject life.” It would be absolutely wrong of me to say that this is still in full force in the United States, because it isn’t. Although, it does seem as if some men, SOME, feel the need to lower a women’s self-respect and lead themselves to believe that a man could do a better job. This very well could just be concerning relationships, but I would consider it a tiny complaint that maybe, just maybe, hasn’t been fully operated on. There might be a little sex discrimination still going on. I’m not sure if this could be considered a “grievance”, because I am not sure how often it comes up in complaint to the government, but I would assume it does quite often. Whether this be subconsciously done or not, it still is pretty wrong. As far as which one is most urgent, I would have to go with the sex discrimination against women at work, only because I am not so sure how quickly the women’s self respect issue could be resolved.
Lastly, Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman?” covers more than one underlying issue by concerning movements against African Americans and the female gender altogether. I actually really enjoyed reading her discourse regarding women’s power and their birthrights. At first, Truth speaks of her African American heritage and how it has unrightfully lead “society” to believe that she does not deserve the graceful advantages that women receive. She also argues her beliefs in saying that “Where did your Christ come from?” And the truth being, he came from a man AND a woman. I would like to believe that the natural characteristics of man and woman were so equally establishing and powerful that the creation of Christ was aided by both woman and man, together, and I don’t really see how people can’t come to harmony with that. My favorite part of her speech is when she adds “If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!” That’s pretty deep, but altogether it’s incredibly awesome of her to say.
The importance of Truth’s speech is that she spoke of issues that established her fortitude as not only a woman, but as a person, and by living her life with this solid backbone within her, she might have actually enabled others to do the same. As far as Truth preventing activists to continue their search for full equality, I honestly don’t see how her input could’ve done anything but inspire them. I do not see how this could stop anybody from fighting for what is right, so I am unaware of how it could’ve hindered activists. Overall, Truth’s speech is incredibly powerful and a great establishment for not just women, but all people; every race and every gender.
Prior to completing this week’s reading assignment, I associated Feminism with equality, empowerment, social justice, activism, and women’s rights. After having completed the readings, I would say that my perspective is still the same. All of the topics that I have just mentioned, my general perspective of feminism, were touched on in the readings. If I were to add a few words, however, I would include courage, oppression, respect, sexuality, and passion. My view of feminism has been shaped mainly by what little we learned of the Women’s Movement in school, and by talking to and observing the women in my life.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that struck me from the NOW Statement of Purpose was the idea that some women are “restrained by the fear of being called ‘feminist’” (325). I think that this is still very true today. Most people today don’t understand what feminism is, or they have deemed it irrelevant. A lot of people have a very skewed and typically negative view of feminism, and because I take issue with this sort of angry and willful ignorance, I believe that the misrepresentation of feminism is the most urgent unresolved issue we face.
Towards the end of the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, the authors of the document stated that they “anticipate no small amount of misconception, misrepresentation, and ridicule,” and though women have made great strides and achieved much since the document was written, to some extent I feel that today’s feminists should anticipate the very same treatment that their foremothers were prepared to receive (316). There is always going to be opposition to any cause, but I think we can learn from the women that came before us by moving forward regardless. I feel that nobody should be afraid or ashamed to call themselves a feminist.
It was also very interesting to see how the women of NOW rejected the established societal roles of men as well as women. There was one part of the Statement of Purpose that called for “a different concept of marriage, and equitable sharing of the responsibilities of home and children and of the economic burdens of their support” (326). I think that this is another issue that still needs some attention, as most families today still feature the father as breadwinner and the mother as homemaker.
In “Ain’t I A Woman,” Sojourner Truth brings a bit of perspective to the other readings because she speaks about oppression due to her race as well as her gender. In this she had a broader view than the women of the Seneca Falls Convention, as they focused solely on the equality of women and did not touch on the issue of race. In her address, Truth rejects the assumption that women are weaker and less capable than men and cites her personal struggles, physical and emotional, as evidence to support this claim. However, she does not refute the (then-popular) idea that men are more intelligent than women; she simply deems it irrelevant, saying "what's that got to do with women's rights or negro's rights?" (320). This could have been harmful to the cause of women’s rights because accepting the broad claim that women are less intelligent than men simply reinforces the supposed differences between men and women and makes women seem like the weaker, more dependent gender. You don’t want a woman’s rights activist to accept the idea that women are inferior in terms of intelligence; the whole point is to prove that women aren’t inferior in any way, and Truth’s acceptance of this idea undermines the march toward equality.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBefore, my five words would have been strength, drive, passionate, equality, and human rights. I don't think that after reading this week's readings that I would change my words. I feel that women have come so far, and that women have the oppurtunity to accomplish anything they desire now days. My view of feminists is that what they stand for and do is awesome but it's not something that I would be interested in devoting my time to. There are men in the world that still view women as less than them but for the majority of men they view women as equals.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions and the two documents written by the National Organization for Women I believe that for the most part everything that feminists were fighting for they achieved. "The purpose of NOW is to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of America society now, exercising all the privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men" (322). Women today are fully engaged and a part of main stream America and women have all of the same rights and privileges as men.
Sojourner Truth offered a perspective of the women's rights movements that was not discussed or addressed regularly. She shared her feelings and views from an African American woman slave during this time. I think that since she was an African American woman it could have helped people to have a better understanding of why women wanted basic human rights even though she was not a "white" woman but a woman nonetheless.
Before this week's reading assignments, the five words I would use to describe feminism would have been: liberal, demanding, angry, independent, and out-dated. After this week's reading assignments I would use the words liberal, independent, strong, needed, and right. My views on feminism did change some after the readings. I think that the changes that feminists were pushing for during the time frame of the articles were absolutely necessary. However, today I feel like feminism may be a little out-dated and not as necessary. The ideas of unequal treatment towards women that were proposed in the articles are what my ideology on feminism is based on and that is what I believe to be unfair.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that there are similar grievances in today's society to those proposed in the articles that I read. I think that women in the workplace are treated very equal, and I think that can be shown by the fact that women can file a law suit if they feel that they have not been treated equal. And they can WIN them as well. Some may argue that there are jobs that barely have any women working, but in my opinion I think that there are some jobs that should be left for men to do and I think that there are some jobs that women should mainly work. For example, I think that it is 100 percent logical that mostly women work in a day care. Women have a natural ability for nurturing that men just don't really posses. Not only about women in the work place though, I just don't think that there are similar inequalities towards women today.
Concerning Sojourner Truth's speech, I think that she made an excellent point that women should be treated more equally to men. But her life is so completely different than the white women who were fighting for women's rights that it I find it very difficult to compare the two's struggles. Sojourner Truth was a slave, and was treated more like an object than an actual human being. I think that her speech could have been inspiring because of the strength that she showed, but I would think that it would be more hindering. Personally, if I would have been a white female activist, her speech would have made me realize that the struggles that other people were trying to overcome were so much worse than mine. It would have made me feel like what I was fighting for was petty compared to what others were fighting for.
When I think of Feminism, I think of Susan B. Anthony, the women's right's movement, equality, peace, and of course, women. After reading, I would have to say that my idea of Feminism is pretty much the same. The one thing I did realize is that there seems to be more than one definition of the word. One meaning just the natural actions of all women, and the other about the equal rights movement. The ideology that gave me these beliefs would have to be the equal right's movement itself. Before I read these articles, I was pretty unaware of the topic and what all problems it caused.
ReplyDeleteAfter going over the Seneca Falls Woman's Right Convention and "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions", I was able to see what all was brought up concerning this issue. Although, I do believe that most of the complaints in this statement have been resolved. Besides this, I do believe that the right of women's abortion has actually not been fully put under control. As far as I know, some people still believe that women should not have the right of birth control, or even abortion. I think that if the women is the one carrying the baby, then the women should be the one who decides to have it or not. I'm not saying that I completely agree with abortion, but in certain circumstances it is an option to consider.
"Ain't I a Woman" by Sojourner Truth expresses a different issue other than those expressed in Seneca Falls and "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions." It is pretty different then them because not only is it much shorter, but it covers more than one topic. Instead of talking about only women's rights, she also talks about her own rights as an African American. It is a very powerful speech and I'm sure it gave activists the motivation to continue their work towards equality. She also talks about Christ, and if any activists paused their work because this speech, it might have been because of their disbelief in Christ's existence. Also, part of the country was probably still racist at this point, so people may have discontinued just because of their beliefs.
@Sammy Gant
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with you that feminists need to be united. Feminists are typically very strong-minded women and with them all working together, they could achieve anything. That’s why it was important that Sojourner Truth gave her speech to try to bring all the white and black women together to make it a strong movement.
Anyways, something I think is interesting that you had mentioned was how men are more likely to get jobs over women—considering that more women go to college than men every year. I feel like it just doesn’t even out.
Before learning more about feminism, i first thought of the subject as women who were opinionated, high strong, forceful, power hungry, and sensitive. After this weeks readings I have changed my opinion because I realized that feminist were strong, smart, caring, leaders, and not afraid of being argued against. My opinions changed because feminist do not all fit a certain mold when it comes to personality or looks, it is just a group of brave women working towards a common goal. I had these unrealistic thoughts about feminism because I was not properly informed earlier and was not given an unbiased lesson.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the articles, I agree we have come a long way when it comes to feminist issues but we have not completely made it to equality. It is well known that still today in some workplaces men are payed slightly more than women to do the same job, although to me at least this is the only obviously unequal factor that plays a role in independent women's lives. In the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions article is states that, "He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice." Still today in most wedding ceremonies the wife vows to be submissive to her husband, although these comparisons maybe be referring to two different things the fundamental idea of a women be submissive or obedient is a common promise still made today. I believe that the difference in pay for the same job between men and women is more urgent. I think this because part of a women being obedient to her husband is part of tradition and many, especially in the south, believe it is just the way is it and has worked for many years so why change it?
Sojourner Truth adds a personal view on both the perspective on the half of women and African Americans. Her insight is different from the previous article because men do not treat her with the respect that they treat white women with. The men say that women need to have doors opened for them and she tells us that no man ever helps her in such ways even though she is just as much as a women as a white women. In her speech she makes many points of how she as an African American women is treated differently and then ask, "Ain't I a Woman?" which is very thought provoking and could have fire up and inspired women’s rights activists. It also could have hindered women's rights activists because the men in society were more likely to give a white women the right to vote than a black women if they were going to give either the rights they deserved. Trying to convince votes to allow both black and white women the right to vote may have slowed down the chance for white women to vote. This is important because in the end we are all equal and no matter if the women was black or white, feminists still fought for women as a whole, the rights to vote.
@amkey1
ReplyDeleteReading your post, I never paired feminism and being liberal together when thinking of ways to describe feminism—but that’s a really good description. I feel that the liberals and feminists are able to work together to influence and gain supporters. I do like the ideology you chose because if someone tried saying that today, it would cause a lot of controversy. Women are definitely mentally capable of doing anything a man can; however, I’m not sure about being as physically strong only because that is genetics.
can i speak to the man in charge
ReplyDelete