It's truly sad how it has taken nearly 160 years for the principle rights set forth by the writers of the Declaration of Sentiments to become realized in American society. As we have discussed, the importance of women throughout colonial America and especially through the American Revolution should have been recognized. What a slap in the face when Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution without including women's suffrage.
Coming from a matriarchal family and culture, I have always appreciated the role women have played in my life. The recent appointments to congressional and executive seats for women over the last decade, including but not limited to Madeline Albright, Ruth Ginsberg, Condoleeza Rice and Nancy Pelosi, give me hope that women's rights might truly soon see the light of day. Since 1971, the number of women serving in state legislatures has more than quintupled! If Hillary Clinton is elected to represent the Democratic Party in the 208 Presidential campaign, i believe America will take a turn for the better, win or lose. Voter participation was it's highest in the last election since 1968 and there is no reason to think if a woman is on the ballot, that number wont increase.
Since i first realized I had political tendencies and thoughts in high school, i have sided with the right, a view shared by few of my Mexican peers, but those conservative beliefs are quickly being aired out and I hope women continue to push for equal treatment in America. They have my support.
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6 comments:
It is unfortunate that women did not gain the right to vote until 1920, 72 years after the Seneca Falls Convention. Sadly, both Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton died before they got the chance to see all their hard work pay off. By the time the 19th Amendment (which allowed women the right to vote, I think Carlos you were thinking of the 14th Amendment which only permitted men that right) got passed only one woman who signed the Declaration of Sentiments in 1848, nineteen year old Charlotte Woodward, was alive to enjoy that right.
I disagree I don't think America will be better off if Hillary is elected. Not because she is a woman, but her sudden shift in ideologies is far too liberal to benefit America as we eventually withdraw from the middle east.
As long as Bush is out...it's going to get better.
I think it's all related to religion, particularly redefining a woman's role outside of a religious context. Whether you are a crackpot Dan Brown-fueled theorist, or someone who has a good knowledge of religious doctrine, women have always taken a subsidiary role to men in the actual religious texts, and you have to wonder whether that was intentional and discriminatory.
I completely agree I think that America would gain a lot by having Hilary elected!!!
Nice political debating for 2008.
It is important to realize that things - such as women's political equality - are/were interconnected with other religious, social norms of the time.
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