Most of the Suffragists/Feminism readings

I really enjoyed reading about Lucy Stone and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. What strong minded and strong willed women!

Lucy Stone: She related the struggles of women to get into college and to widen the array of jobs open to them. She also illuminated the different ways in which women were made invisible legally, once they were married. Stone gives the example of how a woman who earned any money didn't get to keep it; her husband got the money, and could use it however he wanted, including to get drunk and he was allowed to beat her, if he so chose. This reading brought to mind the scene in Mary Poppins, when Mrs. Banks appeared to be very pro-feminism, and would sing songs, but when Mr. Banks got home, all the banners and ribbons had to be hidden, because "you know how the cause infuriates Mr. Banks". Near the end of the article, when she talked about how women had heard and understood the suffering of the slaves, because they too were silenced in public and refused basic rights, I wondered what Douglas would have said to Lucy Stone.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton: I found her speech to be really amusing! She starts out by telling men not to worry; women aren't going to abandon everything, like dresses. In fact, she says, you can keep your pants, dresses and flowing outfits are better- just look at the bishops, priests, judges, barristers, lord mayors, and the Pope and his cardinals- they all wear flowing outfits. Basically, she says not much will really change, we just want the basic rights we deserve. We want to be able to vote, we want to be able to pursue an education and career of our choice. We still want to be women and womanly... we like our clothes, we like our children, we like beauty and dignity... but we want our rights.

The Declaration of Sentiments, Conflict over US Woman Suffrage Movement, Amendments: I found these to be more helpful in understanding timelines, as opposed to actually getting a feel for the movement. I did like the strong parallels between the Declaration of Sentiments and the Declaration of Independence. I think it would have been very appropriate for the audience as well as something strongly believed in.