In 3-4 paragraphs, please respond to the following questions by adding a “comment” to THIS post (rather than creating a new blog post). Commenting is required and counts toward your grade for the week.
First, please write 5 words to describe your general perspective of what Feminism is prior to reading this week’s assignments. Next, write 5 words to describe your perspective after reading this week’s assignments. 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]
Secondly, 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?
Before reading the assignments I thought of Feminism as, "Women fighting for equal treatment." After reading the assignments, I thought of Feminism as, "Women proving what the deserve." To be honest I thought of Feminism as just wanting the right to vote. However, I now understand that it goes far deeper than that. Women wanted to be treated equally. They were tired of basically being hidden under men. I found it absurd in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolution when it said "he has made her, morally, an irresponsible being, as she can commit many crimes with impunity, provided they be done in the presence of her husband."
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading documents by NOW, I see some similarities from then and now. Women are still working in the home, like they were then. No it's not full time but women are expected to come home and do the household chores after they have worked all day. The husband rarely helps out. That hasn't changed very much in my opinion at all. Another thing is education. Girls are going to school but many are going for lesser degrees than men because they feel like they aren't as capable. I think the most urgent is women stepping up and going for the harder jobs. You don't see many women CEO. We are seeing more women in politics, but I don't know if we will ever see a woman as President of the U.S. because people undermine a woman's intelligence.
Sojourner Truth's speech was particularly moving to me. It made me realize even more that African American women were not necessarily being looked at as equal with the other women. Women were low on the totem pole, but African American women were even lower. She was trying to prove that she is as much of a woman as anyone else. She has done hard labor and deserves equal rights and the treatment of a woman. This differs from the Senecca Rights Movement because the women aren't doing hard labor, they are taking care of the home. I think her speech helped activists by showing them that there are women who have it worse than them and every woman needs help. By the same token, I think it might have hindered them because African Americans were still looked at differently which would give them a disadvantage to the public eye. This is important to show that all women deserve the same rights.
Prior to reading the assigned pages, feminism to me could be described as, “equality, rights, competition, fight, and freedom.” After reading the assignment, my opinion slightly changed, but some of the descriptions are the same. “Liberty, equality, value, justice, and rights” are the words I now use to describe feminism. As I read the excerpts, I began to realize that not only were women viewed as inferior, they were also viewed as incapable. Men believed that women required the assistance of men to survive and complete their daily tasks. The fight for women’s rights is not something that women should consider participating in, it is a necessity.Women are capable of doing exactly the same things as men, so it is paramount that women take a stand to prove themselves. Birth control, female doctors, and stay at home dads are all examples of feminism in the works today. These ideas have shaped my mind to believe that the women’s rights movement is over; however, the excerpts allowed me to realize that although we have come a long way, there is still much further to come. The women who are ONLY going to college to find a husband is a major set back in the fight for women’s rights. Those women are perfectly satisfied staying at home for the rest of their lives and accomplishing absolutely nothing.
ReplyDeleteToday, women have much more of an advantage than they did forty, thirty, and even twenty years ago; however there are still some issues that need to be addressed. For instance, some women do not take advantage of the fact that we can become anything we dream to become. Women have the opportunity to become doctors and lawyers, but so many women still go to cosmetology school or bypass further education completely. Staying at home with children is admirable, but children only need their mothers at home for a limited time. When the children have grown, mothers are left at home to do nothing. Women should also take advantage of birth control. Yes, it is available, but many women forego taking it and end up with an unwanted pregnancy that ties them to what could be the wrong man to them for life. Also, women are still expected to take care of the house and the children when men are equally capable. Women go out into the world and acquire prestigious jobs, yet at the end of the day, chores and child-raising still has to be done. If a man does not provide for the family as much as the women, he should take the responsibility of cleaning the house, etc. The most important change that needs to be made in order to push the women’s right movement forward is for a woman to become the President. If men can be led by a woman and be happy about it, I believe that we have truly reached equality.
Sojourner Truth speaks to both black and white women, and she speaks from a more relatable perspective. She is forced to slave and work and still raise her children who will be sold into slavery against her will. The fact that she spoke out for black women helped the women’s rights movement because it combined the two sides and made the force greater. It also hurt the women’s rights movement because the people that may have been willing to let white women have more equality could have been set back by the idea that black women are expected to be included as well.
First things that come to mind when the term “feminism" is used are: respect, rights, domestic, wife and nurturing. After reading the readings for this module I would now say that “feminism” is a term which describes, respect, acceptability, knowledge, freedom and power. My personal view of feminism has changed completely after reading the stories. I basically thought the same as those men in the videos that are posted on this blog in the youtube video. I thought this whole feminism concept was a joke, but in the declaration of sentiments and resolutions, they clearly explained that the duty of women of this country to secure themselves their sacred rights on different positions. Also in that same reading, that the equality of human rights results necessarily to the fact of the identity of the race in capabilities and responsibilities. So obviously women have rights to secure their position in society and are of equal to everyone else in society.
ReplyDeleteI totally think there are and will always be unresolved grievances in society on this ongoing topic. For instance, the thought that someday women can be given equal participation with men in various trades, professions and commerce. To this day men look down on women and believe that men are more superior in the workforce than women are, whom they are the ones supposedly the cooks of the household. Basically this day in age, women should be given equal rights to men especially through politics and in other social institutions. Society needs to realize that women go through the exact same teachings when they go to school and college just like the males of our population. I would believe that the most important issue is that superiority of men over women in the workforce. There is great argument over who is ‘so called’ capable and strong enough for a certain position, when in the long terms who can hold and that position and have the knowledge to fulfill that position.
In Sojourner Truth about Ain’t I a woman, she basically states that both black women and white women can do the exact same things and are capable of doing labor just like the guys while still holding the title of a woman. She lays all her grief and frustration out on the table and names all the things she has been through just like a man could have and she is showing that a woman is capable of going through tough times. This just shows that women are capable of doing everything a man can do in this society. Her speech opened up the floor for a new riot and movement that the women needed in order to overcome this issue. But this riot could have opened up more issues that may seem more controversial to some than others. Since her speech was very straightforward and demanding this could have started more controversial problems to the women’s movement during this time.
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ReplyDelete"Women demanding equal rights," is how I initially saw Feminism before reading the assigned reading. After reading, I still believe that same statement. All women are asking for is the same treatment as man. What makes them so much greater than we are? Don't we bare them? Give them life in the first place? I think my favorite quote was from Sojourner Truth: "Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him." It's so very true. And a great point. Men back then were so shallow and narrow minded.
ReplyDeleteI do believe, however, that things have gotten significantly better. Women are given the equal opportunity in education, jobs, and even religion. Having said that, though, there are still a given number of men AND women who still don't agree with that. And there are still plenty of issues being faced with our rights, but we can't over-look the fact that a lot of the larger ones have been, for the most part, conquered. There still has not been a female president, but we have plenty of women in political seats. We have made it this far, and I do believe that one day it will happen.
There are still issues within the home, however. Men like to be the ones to bring the most bread to the table as far as jobs go. It's not common to see the wife doing most of the work financially. What really upsets me is the fact that wives are expected to go to work, come home, and then cook the meal, care for the children, clean house, etc. I'm not saying that all households are like that, but there are grand majorities that are. Take my sister, for instance: She actually makes the brunt of the money, comes home, fixes dinner, helps her kids with homework, cleans house, bathes the kids, etc. all while her husband lies on the couch watching TV. She even has to pick out his clothes in the morning. He has no respect for her, and in turn, her children don't either. I believe that she isn't the only one in this situation, and I believe it's one of the most urgent and unchanging situations in our struggle for equality.
Sojourner Truth presented me with a whole new perspective on the matter. Not only was she a woman, but she was African American, too. The white man was at the very top, and still seem to be, and the African American women were left at the bottom of the pile. She spoke truth so simply that I find it hard for anyone to misinterpret or to not understand. I think it helped women's rights in the way that it gave women more ignition, especially white women. And to not only rally for the women, but to even more include their African American brothers and sisters, to make an even more significant meaning to the word "equality." Unfortunately, white men could have looked at it as an even weaker attempt to get what they want. Not only are women speaking out, but blacks, too? I think Sojourner makes a good point with this, "I think that 'twixt the Negroes of the south and the women of the north, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon."
Prior to this weeks lesson, my thoughts of feminism could be summed up like this; Feminism: women’s right to vote. In high school, I took a history class in which my teach was an extreme feminist and strongly believed in voting. She, therefore, put most of the emphasis on a woman’s right to vote. After the first lecture of Women’s Studies, my thoughts have broadened to-Feminism: women are people too. I now believe that yes, women wanted the right to vote, but that was only the first step. Women believed that they had every right, just as much as men, to be independent. They had their opportunity to prove themselves on the home-front during the war and that they did.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, regardless of what people do to suppress anti-feminist, there will always be stubborn people that will never change. I believe that since the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions was presented, our countries eyes as a whole have been opened to a less bias view of women. Women have laws created for them in the work force, stating that they cannot be paid lower than men strictly because they are the opposite gender. Although women have made steps, there are still flaws that need to be sewed. Women are still expected to carry a family (regardless of them taking a son to baseball practice or washing the dishes after dinner). This is easily seen through not only housemothers, but the work of nannies and maids. When is the last time you saw a man being a maid in real life or television (besides Geoffrey on “Fresh Prince”).
Soujourner Truth’s speech was extremely moving because she blew women’s rights out of the window by introducing the trouble and pains of African American women’s rights. Her speech differed from Seneca Falls in that she addressed women’s responsibility in the everyday family and household, where as Seneca Falls addressed hard labor laws and equal pay. I think that her speech did help womens rights activists in how powerful it was that she was able to step out in front of two prejudices: women’s rights and civil rights. Although powerful, it may have hindered activists by being unrealistic because of the era that is was brought upon in.
Before reading this week's assigned reading, my 5 word perspective on Feminism was "equality, respect, justice, and freedom". I also really love what Emily posted, "Women proving what they deserve." What a wonderful way to sum the first wave of feminism up! After reading the assignments, my views are pretty much the same. I know that it is important that all sexes, races, genders, etc be treated equally and that feminists do not ask for special privileges, but general rights for everyone. The primary ideologies and institutions that have informed my views of feminism have been things such as my personal research on the topic through books, articles, and Wikipedia, along with the opinions of my grandmother. With a combination of non-biased sources and direct information from those who identify themselves with the ideology, I came to understand that feminism supports everyone's rights.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that comes to mind when comparing the rights discussed in these documents versus the rights women have today is the right to control their reproductive lives. The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions mentions nothing of this, primarily because during that time period abortion and birth control were virtually non-existent. Of course there were miscarriages and primitive forms of birth control, but what we have today had not been created and discovered yet. However, in NOW's Statement of Purpose and Bill of Rights, it is discussed that a "woman has to choose between marriage and motherhood, on the one hand, and serious participation in industry or the professions on the other" and right VIII is "The Right of Women to Control Their Reproductive Lives". Although today we have access to birth control and abortions, people still bicker bitterly about how and when these are dispensed. It never ceases to amaze me that people who never have been and never will be in the position of a woman seeking to either not become pregnant or terminate the pregnancy argue over her right to do so. I feel that our reproductive capabilities will always be used against us, to divide us by our opinions, and to force us into a social role.
Sojourner's speech was eloquent in her own way. It is entirely different from the Seneca Falls Document in that it does not rely on classical style and grammar to make a point; it also does not drag on and on into sub-points and plotted out ideas. She simply says what is on her mind and in her heart. This helped women's rights activists see that, from Sojourner's perspective, she had been through as much as and man had, that just because she was black did not rule her our of the rights these women were asking for, and that it did not require her to was eloquent on the matter. This may have opened up some activists' eyes, but also hindered others because they saw her as not as educated or grammatically ignorant. This is important because women's rights activists were forced to see that perhaps the racial minority was being left out of their ever-growing movement.
At first, I thought feminisim was about women getting equal rights. Also, I thought it was about women's right to vote. It's a lot more than that. This class expands on that.
ReplyDeleteThe document that the women at Seneca Falls is kinda like the Bill of Rights. Their verison is for women. It lists what rights they want for women. They're also want to prove that they're also US citizens.
Sojourner's speech was saying the people treat her differently from women with white skin. She was saying that she a woman too. She says that she gets different treatment because of her skin. She's no different from any other woman.
Before the readings, my list of feministic ideals was thus: equality, acceptance, choice, sisterhood, and strength. After the readings, I would consider the list to be the same, though I would replace sisterhood with cooperation because cooperation makes it clear that we do not exclude anyone from our movement. NOW’s Statement of Purpose helped me to see that women are not, and should not be, the only feminists, and that we really are not trying to shift the power balance in favor of women, as some fear, but just to a point of equality. My view of feminism has been informed by many things. I keep up with such feminist blogs as Feministing, The F Bomb, and The Daily Femme, but upon my interactions with the LGBTQ community here, lesbian became such a major identifier for me that I questioned whether I could be both a feminist and an LGBTQ activist. However, listening to Mandy Carter when she visited campus made me see that not only could I be an activist in both realms, but that I must be and that we all need to be working for justice, not just for us.
ReplyDeleteMost of the grievances mentioned in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions that deal with law have been addressed, but many of those that deal with societal acceptance have not. Though some religions or religious denominations have changed to allow women greater roles, many still only give women “in Church, as well as State, but a subordinate position” (315). Also, there is still “a different code of morals for men and women” (315). Though, at least for the most part, laws now apply equally to the sexes, the societal moral code does not. The greatest example of this would be thus: a female who chooses to explore her sexuality with multiple partners is labeled a slut and no longer respected, whereas a male who chooses to do the same is labeled a stud and gains respect. In addition, there are those still attempting to “destroy [our] confidence in [our] own powers, to lessen [our] self-respect, and to make [us] willing to lead dependent and abject [lives]” (315). This occurs in many ways. It occurs when we are assumed to be unable to carry heavy things simply because we are women, when we are told it is unsafe for us to be out alone late at night, when we are told we shouldn’t “worry our pretty little heads” about something, when we are told that we are “looking to get raped” if we wear a certain outfit.
NOW discusses more social issues that still need to be addressed. NOW “endeavor[ed] to change the false image of women… in the mass media, and in… our major social institutions” (NOW Statement of Purpose, 327), but the unrealistic body image and stereotypes perpetuated by this image remains. Also, “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” (NOW Bill of Rights, 329) has still not been obtained. Many states limit abortion practices, particularly for minors, by requiring parental notification and parental consent or court approval. States also can require waiting periods and prevent state property or funds from being used for abortions. Such requirements are misguided attempts by politicians to keep all of their constituents happy. Infringement of reproductive rights is most definitely the most urgent problem feminists need to address, for it is the root of so many other problems.
Sojourner Truth reminds women not to exclude fellow women simply because they are not exactly the same. Her perspective differs from the Seneca Falls document in that it is more focused on personal experience than objectively discussing the legal ways in which women are treated as lesser beings. Her speech probably caused many Negro women to wish to fully join the movement, but integrating would also cause people to leave the movement. It is important because this helps us to understand the difficulty of deciding exactly who we are fighting for.
@WilliamV:
ReplyDeleteI think your original view of feminism is one many people hold, and I think getting them to see beyond that is the first step in getting them to understand why feminists are still fighting. Too often, the thought is like that of one of the guys in the film: "They got their amendment passed in 1920. Why are they still bitching about women's rights?" I hope more people can come to the same conclusion you did, that it's really just about proving that we're people too.
I also really liked your remark about women still being expected to take care of the house, regardless of whether or not they have a job. It's a reminder that not only is such a stereotype a hindrance to societal acceptance of women who wish to devote more time to their career or have a more equitable division of labor within the household, but it's also a hindrance to men who wish to take on a greater role within the house without being judged or seen as less of a man. For a time growing up, my dad worked at home. My siblings and I were old enough at the time to go to school, but due to the nature of my mom's job, he was the one to get us up and dressed in the morning, pack our lunches, take us to school, pick us up, help us with homework, and have dinner on the table when my mom got home. He did all of this while simultaneously meeting the requirements of his job. I've talked to him about it now that I'm older, and he describes that as one of his most emotionally fulfilling times as a parent. However, at the time, particularly because we were active in a Southern Baptist church, the temporary role reversal in our household was misunderstood and my dad's friends gave him a hard time about it. We often see stereotypes about gender roles as harming women, but we sometimes forget how they harm men too.
@Amy Lea:
ReplyDeleteThough I agree that many of the major issues have been addressed, I don't agree that they have been conquered. There's still a lot of work to be done, especially because what the law says is not always what's done. Yes, theoretically, we have equal opportunity in all of these things, but I don't think we actually have equality yet. With respect to religion, only some offer equality for women. Though women can change religions if they feel their needs are not being adequately met, should they have to?
However, I definitely agree that our biggest problem right now is with the power balance and work distribution within the home. Both men and women need to be educated in order for this to change. Men need to learn that they are not sacrificing their status as men by helping out with domestic chores, and women need to learn that standing up to your partner by requesting that s/he fulfill both your needs and the needs of the household can be done without renouncing your feminity. Both sexes need to better understand that communication and true partnership really will strengthen the relationship and generate a less stressful home environment. However, since most of our knowledge of an appropriate home environment comes from the home in which we were raised, this is a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break.
Before reading the assigned readings for this week I have many questions about feminism. I can describe feminism in five words it would be: equality, bravery, change, strength and cause. From my many history classes I have taken throughout my life the women’s movements of the 1920’s has always been included in those books. After reading these readings I have learned a lot more about what feminism is and what it stands for and how it changes the world everyday. My words would probably be the same as before the readings but I will try to make a five-word sentence to describe my perception of feminism. Equality is more than one justice. What I mean is that feminism pertains to all parts of life and not just certain issues like the right to vote. The movement did not start in the 1920’s; this movement was getting started in the 1800’s. Women were growing tired of all the issues that they felt they were experiencing. They blame men and women for the state American women were in the 1800’s, it was time for a change. My views have changed based on the fact that I have never really read into the feminist movement. Reading the “Declaration”, getting a view of feminism over 100 years ago does not give the best idea of modern feminism but I am growing into an understanding.
ReplyDeleteThere are always going to be grievances, no one is ever happy with the cards that they are dealt. Today’s issues revolve more around women employment rights and wages rights. Women believe that they get paid less than men and that may be true but feminist have made this apparent, and the government is doing all they can do to aid their cause. The issue is the corporate discrimination today’s working women face in the American workforce. Women want to be better prepared for the workforce and they believe they are not getting the same teachings as men. The perspective changes with every new generation and feminists will always be improving the quality of life for women all over America.
I think she is making a racial argument along with her argument for women’s rights. She feels that the women’s movement was not targeted for black women and that it was for spoiled housemothers that were bored. She was a hard workingwomen and she thinks women leading the movement have not lived a life even remotely as hard as her life was. She wants to know what this movement will do for African women along with women all over the country. All women deserve to be treated not just rich white ones.
Before: Women wanting complete equality. After: Women desire to prove ability.
ReplyDeleteI think my views are more informed but they haven’t really changed. I think women deserve certain rights under the law because we are human and because we have value in society. I do still believe, however, that society has taken this desire to be equal and radicalized it to the point where women have almost lost our value. We desire so much to be treated like men that the thought that women are wonderful and to be treated specially has severely deteriorated, which, in my opinion, is a shame.
As I understand it, women still do not have equal pay for equal work. As it says, “He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, she receives but a scanty remuneration.” This is basically talking about what we call the glass ceiling today. And I think this is probably one of the biggest problems facing women today. While there are some reasonable arguments for why women are paid less, I still think that wages should be equal for both sexes. I don’t think women should be paid any more than men are for equal work, but I think they should be paid equally.
I think that Sojourner Truth gives a unique prospective to the women and civil rights movement. It is one that was probably not thought of as much but one that is pretty important. It is interesting to read her thoughts on the injustices that women have against women along with men against women. This was a speech so it was much less formal than the Seneca Falls document. And this was speaking on how she finds social inequities, not only educational and lawful inequities. I think that she was saying that if we want equal rights for women, it must be for all women, white, black, Latina, etc because otherwise we are still in a place where we need to be thoughtful of ourselves. I think her speech might have helped other women’s rights activists realize that they needed to fight for rights for everyone, not only themselves. It may have hindered them in trying to please everyone, they may not have gotten as many things fulfilled. I think they may have been concerned first with the rights of white women, and when that was accomplished they may have then moved on to rights of all women. This may have been a immoral stand on the issue, but politics is a slow process and I think they may have wanted to make it as quick as possible.
Before reading the assignments, I thought Feminism meant, "Women fighting for equal opportunities." Now after reading the assignments I would say that Feminism describes power, equality, rights, respect, and knowledge. Women were viewed once as incapable of doing daily routines without the help of men. Fighting for women's rights is a requirement it should not be something women should glance at, it is important in our society. People who think men can do things better than woman are close-minded. Women are just as capable of doing exactly what men do and even better. We have come along way over the years, women are given equal opportunities now when it comes to education and jobs, however the reading selections stated there is still further to go with feminism. Most of the major issues with feminism have been solved but the smaller ones still remain unsolved. For instance, issues in families/homes. Women are normally considered the person in the family who cleans, cooks, carpools, puts the children to bed, and maintains the household. Men in the family are the ones who maintain the financial aspects because they feel that is their role in this society. Most men expect their wives to clean and have dinner ready at a certain time everyday to please them. I do not believe in this I believe that women are looked at in a household aspect wrong. I believe a husband and wife should work together to do these things, it should not matter who is making more or less money in the family. After reading, Sojourner Truth it made me believes a different perspective of this information. The way this African American women spoke was so truthful and powerful, I do not think that people could not understand the way she feels and the way she wanted to be treated. I believe this all helped women believe that they can change the way people all over think of them. Sojourner makes good points of women speaking out not only the white women but also the African American ones.
ReplyDelete@WilliamV
ReplyDeleteI think that many people have your initial view of feminism. I think that it is seen as something that has already been resolved. I also agree that women have taken huge strides since the Seneca Falls declaration was written. While there are some improvements that still need to happen, I think that there have definitely been a lot of improvements.
@PM Blonder
ReplyDeleteWhile I do agree that women can do a lot of things just as well as men can, I do think that men are women are very different. And there isn't anything wrong with that. Most women are capable of doing some things better than men and most men can do some things better than women. Of course there are exceptions to this rule. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, nor do I think it makes us any less valuable in society. I think that this culture would be much better off if we all did the things that we are best at instead of trying so hard to do something solely to prove a point. For example, as a rule, men are physically stronger than women (YES I am aware that this is not always the case, but generally it is true... why else do we hand over the pickle jar when we can't open it?). So I don't see it as being a problem to let men be on the front lines and women (along with men) be the brains behind the operations. Now, I'll say this, if a woman is physically as capable as a man is, in that case I think it is alright for her to be up there with him. But if your brother is fighting and gets shot, would you rather a woman who can't carry him to safety be beside him or a man who can? I can tell you that I would much rather my brother be safe with another man than in peril because we absolutely have to have everything the exact same, when we aren't the same (equal, yes, but we aren't the same). Men and women balance each other out, that's the beauty of their relationship. Perhaps that sounds narrow minded to some, but to me it makes sense.
Personally, my views about feminism have not changed. I still believe that feminism is based on equality, freedom, liberty, and respect for women regardless of race/ethnicity. A woman is as important as a man and should not be looked down upon. Women should be able to live their lives without having boundaries placed upon them. Men should recognize that women are much more than just childbearers and arm trophies. Women are intelligent, can have opinions and morals that does not agree with those of a man, and women are independent and do not have to rely on a man to survive in society.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that there are similar grievances that are still unsolved in the U.S. A woman's role in society is based upon what she desires to be in life. Numerous opportunities are available to women now. Women of this generation must be confident in their abilities to succeed just as well as a man. There is only one thing that I can recall that women cannot do because they are females. Women cannot be in any combat arms MOS in the military. Other than that, everything else is openly available for a woman to pursue.
Sojourner Truth's perspective is that women of all races deserve to be treated equally, not just white women. I think that the Seneca Falls Document pertained more to white women and not other races. Sojourner speaks of African American women to be included. I also believe that her speech helped women's rights activists to see that if women want to fight for their rights then it should include women of all races. How can one fight for something but exclude something that's an important factor? That important factor is women of other races. With saying that the women's rights movement would be more powerful with ALL women regardless of race. If in any way Sojourner's speech hindered the women's rights activist then there is a larger issue at hand. That issue is racism. Meaning that African Americans are still looked down upon and do not deserve to be treated equal.
Sierra Terrell
Prior to reading the assigned selections, if I were to describe feminism in five words they would be; changing, bitter, determined, angry, and powerful. After reading the documents I would probably use the same words. To be completely honest, I have never really had much interest in the history of feminism. I was aware of the movement, but have always taken my rights as a female for granted, assuming they had always been this way. I tend to forget that in the past women were treated much differently than they are today. Although there are still issues concerning equal rights among men and women in our world today, I believe we have come a long way, especially after reading these three pieces. When reading "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions", I could hear the anger and desperation in these women’s voices. In this time period it seems as though men had complete control over women, it was understood that women were property of men, and certain things were expected of them. There were no expectations of women to be educated, have a career, or even have a voice or opinion. Women were expected to perform two tasks; get married, and have children. Women were silenced in society, “He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead" (The Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention of 1941 314).
ReplyDeleteWe have come a long way in our country since this time. Today women are expected to have careers, share their opinions and have a voice among men. To the best of my knowledge we have been granted every right a man has legally. Although men and women were created equally, there is an undeniable fact that we were created differently. These differences have sparked certain stereotypes, some in my opinion are understandable, and others tend to be very offensive and frustrating. When I think of woman rights today in our country, no real legal inequalities come to mind, instead more social issues, such as a woman's role in the workplace, women's roles in church, and society’s expectations of how a woman should behave. I personally have seen women being discriminated against in my own church. When I asked why we did not allow women preachers, or even a woman to pray in front of the congregation I would time and time again get the response, "Man is the leader of the church". This response shocked me. I could not believe that still today in my own church women were not allowed to have a voice. I understand the principle of man being a leader, and support in, however, there is a difference between being a leader, and being a ruler.
Sojourner Truth’ speech addressed both the race, and women’s rights movements. She talks of how she, like all other women had been discriminated against, however unlike white women, men have not treated her so delicately. She shares how she had done hard physical labor just as men had, and yet bared thirteen children at the same time. She talks of how a woman’s capabilities are just as equal as man’s yet their rights are not. I’m sure this was a very powerful argument at the time, especially for a woman to be able to speak from experience on physical and emotional labor like she was able to. This speech however, could have potentially hindered the women’s rights movement because she didn’t solely speak about women’s rights she also brought up racial discrimination, leading others to not look at the message as a whole, and focus on the more sensitive topic of race. The Seneca Falls document, although written such a long time after Truth’s speech was almost as if it was a direct response. The document was written in the 1960’s when women’s rights were more focused on the social issues. It presents the argument that women of all races should be treated equally.
@Amy Lea
ReplyDeleteI also believe one of the main problems and should be the most looked at right now is the balance between man and woman within homes. Not only men need to be made aware of this issue but women too. Women need to make aware to men that they are not looking less “manly” when they help out with everyday chores that women typically do. I also think women should take a stand and not willingly do these chores as often to prove a point to men. I think that both men and women should be partners together and do the work in the house equally.
@ Sierra T
ReplyDeleteI agree I think most of my feelings towards feminism stayed the same throughout the reading assignments. As you said you don't believe that there are similar grievances that are still unsolved in the United States, I have to disagree. yes, a women decides her role in this society but have we seen a women president yet leading our world? I think we do choose where we want to be in this world but most men do not think women are capable of running this country and a lot of things in the states. I think women are confident in a lot of things but one's confidence builds when they have the support from others.
@PMBlonder stole the words out of my mouth. To not acknowledge that a)we are still expected to take more passive roles in government and business and b) that women recieve less pay than men for doing the same jobs with the same amount of education backing them. (http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/censusstatistic/a/womenspay.htm for starters)
ReplyDeletePrior to reading this weeks online learning module assignment, I'd say my view of Feminism would be best described as "equality, respect, courage, protesting, and success". After reading the assignment, I think the better way to describe Feminism would be "equality for all women everywhere". The main thing I want to focus on for my pre-reading outlook is the word "success". Before the reading I'm ashamed to say that I thought the Feminist movement was over and that it was successful. I think the fact that I had never really given much thought to this movement blinded me from what really has been going on because, clearly, this fight hasn't ended. The issue that was originally at hand has definitely been improved, but it has not quite settled down permanently yet.
ReplyDeleteAs for the "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions" given at the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention of 1848, I think one of the resolutions that definitely hasn't been met yet is the one that states "that the same amount of virtue, delicacy, and refinement of behavior that is required of woman in the social state, should also be required of man...". Today, I think there are quite a number of things that a man can do while in public that a woman would be looked down upon if she were caught doing. Things such as belching and passing gas are considered humorous when a man does them in public, but if a woman did either she would be considered unrefined and far from delicate. Also, if a woman's behavior doesn't reach a certain social standard, people are more likely to ridicule her either publicly or behind her back, where as a man's social behavior would be looked at with a little less judgement. I'm not sure what the best solution would be for this, but I think it needs to be addressed soon.
I loved Sojourner Truth's speech! I feel like she gave a different approach as to why women deserve equal rights to men. Her speech was new, fresh, and at the same time very fun to read. I think her most powerful point was "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!" I know that line is controversial, but in my opinion, I thought it was very compelling and different. Her speech would have helped the women's rights activists because it was assertive, raw, and true. She is living proof that a woman could go head to head with a man and potentially succeed against him. It also could have hurt get the votes from the men because they could have seen it was a little harsh, but all in all I believe it would've helped more than hurt the activists.
@kelly malone
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you when you say that legally you don't see any differences between men and women today. When you said "Although men and women were created equally, there is an undeniable fact that we were created differently", I thought that you couldn't have put that any better!! Women definitely were created differently from men and thats a good thing if you ask me because who knows where we would be. Equal rights are necessary for both genders, but both genders deserve their own personal thoughts and opinions that shouldn't be made for them.
@Sarah Tate
ReplyDeleteI agree with your outlook on the women that have the rights but don't choose to utilize them. These women fought so hard for us to have the rights we have today so it almost seems rude to not take advantage of the rights they worked so hard to give us. And as for the stereotype that women have to do all of the house work, I agree with you there too. There is no reason for a wife to work just as hard as her husband and then be expected to do all of the housework on her own. Men have two hands too!
“Fighting for What women deserve” Before reading I have never really thought of feminism. I knew it was for women’s equal rights but I thought it was mainly for women’s right to vote. I still believe after reading that feminism in five words can be “fighting for what women deserve.” Women do deserve every right that a man has. Women work just as hard, if not harder than men. When I hear the word feminism I still think of over the top spokes people. I’m happy with how far things have come, but when I hear feminism I think of the women that are opposed to wearing make-up or dresses, and refuse to have a kid because that’s what women are supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteI think that feminism has come a long way, but also not as far as it should. Women should get paid just as much as a man, if not more. Most women work just as much as their spouse or significant other, on top of the work that they do around the house. Women work 10 times harder than men do to get what they want. I had a friend ( a guy ) ask me, If I were to marry a man who made a lot of money, if I would be a stay at home wife/mother. And I told him no. I want to get my education, I want to make my OWN money, ( things always feel so much better when it belongs to you), and also I don’t want to spend money all the time or stay at home all day. And the mother side of it I feel the same way, yes I want kids, im going to want to spend as much time with them as I can, but its healthy for them to be around other people, its called gaining social skills.
In the Sojourner Truth reading I feel like she had some very solid points, and even today they still apply. Women are supposed to be dainty creatures that men dote on and give them special treatment no matter who they are to you. Yet in 2011 I open my own doors, I eat what I want when I want, I jump over puddles without help, I pick up my own things when I accidently drop them, without help from a male. Another valid point was made when she said “Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.” She pulled a religion card which I think is very interesting. I think that in her speech was hindering in a way in that she wasn’t just fighting for the female population, but for the black American population as well. People in that age could have taken that as her not really knowing who she really wanted to gain rights for.
Before reading this week's assignments, the five words I chose to describe feminism were respectful, equal, independent, strong, and radical. After the readings, I chose equal, strong, persistent, aware, and relentless. My opinion slightly changed after the readings. I used to think of feminism to be a group of extremely independent women thinking that the world is out to get them just because of their gender (when, in fact, it's not). However, I now see it as more of a fight for something these particular women believe in. I compare it to many other groups of people standing for equal treatment, such as different religious groups, nationalities, and races. And, like any group, there will always be those who give the group a bad image or the wrong stereotype.
ReplyDeleteCertain parts of the Statement of Purpose stood out to me that made me realize that feminism wasn't just some radical women trying to make a scene. Examples are: "...women can achieve such equality only by accepting to the full challenges and responsibilities they share with all other people...", "...not in pleas for special privilege, nor in enmity toward men, who are also victims of the current...".
I think a lot of the issues addressed are not really issues anymore. The equality of men and women in the United States is closer than ever before, and I, personally, think it is pretty much where it should be. However, I can see where some women may be insulted that women are still expected to be the housekeepers of the family and stay at home with the kids over the husband staying home. I do not see anything wrong with that, but I know some women do not want that kind of lifestyle and feel they shouldn't be expected to live that way. I guess the most urgent issue would be the salary issue between men and women in the same occupation. However, I think most of the time it is quite equal, but in places where it is not, that is completely not fair or just.
I think Sojourner's speech helped both the women's and black's rights movement. She touched on the topic of intellect, which I think is a good point. Many white males then did not believe women or blacks were capable. She ruled out the Bible excuse men would use, and I think that provides a good point, also. However, it seems with that example, she is saying women do not need men...and I can't say I agree with that. I do agree with her point of how the men said that women need help, yet men do not help the ways they say they should. This proves a hypocritical statement on the man's part.
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ReplyDeleteBefore reading the assignment my 5 words for defining "feminism" were equality, strength, respect, independence, and fierce. After the reading my 5 words still seem to be fitting for the definition of feminism. Before this class and the readings I always assumed feminist were somewhat hostile women who were fighting for equality. I was always supportive of their beliefs but never knew the history of the cause. Now that I have a more clear idea of the history of feminism it is easier for me to understand its importance. Feminist just want equality for everyone no matter your gender, race or sexuality.
ReplyDeleteWomen have come such a long way in the past 100 years. I cant even imagine how it felt for women growing up in earlier times without the right to vote. Even though we have come a long way there are still issues that feminist must fight for. I think one of the biggest obstacles for women to over come today is the society's views of gender roles.
Majority of the issues discussed in the documents are not issues today, but that does not mean women face 100% equality in today's world either. Some women are looked down upon today for being a stay at home mom while some are looked down up for being a working mom. Issues like these I believe are a woman's personal choice and those choices should be respected by everyone no matter what.
Sojourner's speech was very interesting. It was interesting hearing a black woman's point of view because not only was she fighting for gender equality but also racial equality. I found her quote about Eve in the Bible to be comical but also very intelligent. At that point in time I think most men needed a harsh reality check.
-Virginia Jackson
@Sarah Tate
ReplyDeleteI think you couldn't have said it any better by saying that women can be anything that they want to be, but instead choose to go to cosmetology school. It's almost like women just want to marry a man and forego her rights. I also think that a woman becoming President would help women out more. However, until more women support this, I don't think that it will happen.
@Kelly Malone
ReplyDeleteYou made me think about my own church. Women don't speak aloud at my church either. Now that I think about it more, I find it very odd because I don't feel that God discriminates against women, so why should people? A church is not supposed to discriminate, yet it does.
Feminism (before): Strong Independent Women With Voices
ReplyDeleteFeminism (after): Women Fighting for Rights and Equality
I have always had a pretty clear idea of what feminism is. One thing that I learned through the readings was how badly women were actually treated. Growing up, we are taught in school about the hardships that slaves and Indians went through, but there is not much information about women. My thoughts about feminism have not changed, I have just gained a better understanding of why feminism came to be. If anything, I have more respect for myself as a woman and take pride in the rights and freedoms that I have today. This does not mean that I am a lesbian or some power obsessed woman on a man eating spree…it just means that I know that I have rights and freedoms that everyone else in this country has.
The views of feminism that I have today were mainly influenced by television, movies, and the media in general. My mom never sat me down and told me what a feminist was, I just figured it out. Most people view it as a negative thing. Usually when people do not fully understand something, they automatically will see it as a negative thing. Education is powerful, and if more people were aware of the reasons behind the feminist movement, maybe it would be more accepted in society
Similarities between Seneca Falls & NOW 1966/Bill of Rights 1968:
- Equality in the workplace
- Women’s credibility in politics
- Rights of pregnant women
- Equality of opportunity and responsibility in society for women
- Contraceptive and reproduction rights
Most urgent women’s right needing to be addressed now…
Laws and rules pertaining to women who become pregnant who are in school, in an organization, sorority, certain careers, etc.
Sojourner Truth: She pretty much is saying that she is a woman and she did all of the same things that a man did. She worked in the fields just like a man, ate just as much as a man, and got beatings just like a man. Just because a man may have had more rights than women back in the day, it is time for them to share and be equal with women. Since one woman could mess everything up in the beginning, then they will be able to fix it back now. Her speech helped women activists because it gave a voice to all of the documented rights and laws that were being fought for. It painted a picture for everyone to see. The only way her speech could have hindered women is because people were afraid to hear a woman speak her mind and tell it like it is.
Her speech was so important because she was a black woman speaking out and fighting for her rights as a woman. I love how she said she can do and has done everything a man can do.
Prior to the text I viewed feminism as women trying to fight for their rights for equality. After reading the text I see that it is much more than that. feminism isn't just surface deep. Feminism is about women making a statement for themselves to not only be treated equally, but respectfully as well. Women weren't allowed to go to the same school as men, they would get in hugh trouble if they were pregnant, they were only allowed to learn certain things, and the precentage rate for certain jobs were very low and the list goes on. they were viewed as incapable and unworthy.
ReplyDeleteA quote that sickens me is "Even if she worked outside the home for her entire adult life, she probably better off with that portion than with hers in its entirety, because she has earned less and is likely to have taken time out for such unproductive acts such as having kids." This statement is talking about how women are better off with their money they receive when their husband dies than their own money from their own work, which shows that women were unfairly paid less. The statement also states that women aren't given very much empathy towards being pregnant. Even after such a strenuous process and the difficulty or raising a child they were given no credit. The husband would still get the child (in a 60-80% rate) if their was a divorce. which is still true today according to Jennifer Baumgardner. Before the course readings I never gave feminism much thought but after reading I am just disturbed and shocked about how women were treated. I also believe that progress of women's rights have come very far. However I do not believe that everything is resolved. I still believe that there are businesses that don't take their female workers seriously. I think that even though there are rules toward harassment in the work place, it still goes on. Also, even though women have come far to become successful business women, i still believe that not all women get paid and treated fairly. But despite all of that, I am very thankful to grow up in a generation were women are more respected than they were back then.
Sojourner Truth gives a speech on feminism. She states that if given the chance, women can do just as men do. "I could work as much and eat as much as a man--when given the chance" I believe her voice and motivation were important to women's rights because she is coming from a different perspective. She is not only a unfairly treated women in these ages she is also african american. So not only did she speak for women but also for women of color. African Americans had it especially hard in those day and ages as well. i think she was a particularly moving woman.
Five words that came to my mind before reading this week's assignment were "Strong, Global, Learning, Hurting, Fighting, and Freedom". Five words that come to mind now after reading is "Identity Freedom, Experience, *Global, and Determination". My interprtation of "feminism" has somewhat changed and is growing because before actually reading and researching it I only knew of the hurt and fight that the women around me and even I had shared or gone through. I knew of women sufferage but not the depth thereof. Women sufferage is global in the sense that women all over the world are experiencing and fighting for their true rights and not what some superficial words that someone dictates to them to be "rights". Women, as well as all human beings, deserve the RIGHT to their true God-given identity.
ReplyDeleteThree resolutions that are very impotant to me are 1. That woman has too long rested satisfied in the circumsribed limits which corrupt customs & a perverted application of the Scriptures have marked out for her and that it is time she should move in the enlarged sphere which her Creator has assigned her" (p. 317). Growing up in the "church" one can experience first-hand people who twist and pervert the Scriptures to fit their own ignorant preferences.First of all it hurts when someone has God-given visions and dreams, passions and desires and have someone tell them no or try to hinder that person because of their religious mindset and not of the truth. Secondly, to teach, transfer, force that upon the upcoming generations is a diservice and abuse to those generations and to humankind.
2. That the women of this country ought to be enlightened in regard to the laws underwhich they live, that they may no longer publish their degradation by declaring themselves satisfied with their present position, nor their ignorance, by asserting that they have all the rights they want".
Sojourner Truth offers the perspective of a black woman fighting for her rights and addresses both race and feminism at the same time. While the Seneca Falls document addressed one issue, she deals with a deeper issue that connects to it. For example, the Seneca Falls document states that man has withheld from woman her rights and have given them "to the most ignorant and degraded men-both natives and foreigners" (p. 314 para. 5). When in actuality, black people were withheld their rights and their rights were given to the most ignorant and degraded human beings. The very strength of the truth that she spoke offered the most support. as she declared how Jesus Christ had to come through a woman divinely impregnated by the Holy Spirit and also how just as Eve was powerful enough to turn the world upside down, women unified are pwoerful enough to turn it back right-side up again. *This can address a resolution in the Seneca Falls doc. on page 317, paragraph 7. That the speedy success of the cause depends on the "xealous and untiring efforts of both men and women". However, her speech might have caught women activist off gaurd because of the trail and hurts that she has endured as a black woman. Everyone was thinking that women sufferage was universal, when like it was said in class, women sufferage is also intersectional.
Be before reading this week's assignment my five words are strong, powerful, demanding, independent, and very determind. After reading the assignment my words pretty much stayed the same no change.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the assignment it opened my eyes up and gave me a great insight of what being a feminism really is. Their reasons and the their outlooks on equal opportunity for women. Before taking this class I never really had that much insight of feminism and why women fought so hard for our rights. After reading the assignment it made me more thankful and understannding to the strong women who stood up for what they believed in.
I think that alot of things of things have changed but the way some people think are still kind of stuck in there ways like a woman should stay at home and have babies take care of the home while the man works and take care of the family financially. There is nothing wrong with a woman taking care of the family and being financially independent. Today most women are the head of their house hold and can take care of their family.
Soujourner Truth speech was for both black and white women going through the same thing when it came to equal oportunity.
@KaylynJohnson
ReplyDeleteI agree completely and think that it is strange how regardless of the role reversal in many families women are still seen as "the caretakers". I think that having a father figure take part of the load is a large stride and can slowly help shape the face of women.