Since the beginning of civilization women have been seen as less than men. Women were seen as the person to just take care of the children, take care of the house, and make the meals for the men. When the United States was born it was seen as a nation where liberty for everyone was more than a dream, but an actual reality. However, this was not the case at all; women and slaves were still seen as inferior to the white man. While the movement for slavery to be abolished was more well known and more fascinating to the public, the movement for women's' rights was just as historic and important. The leaders of these women right movements are not as famous as those like Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks, but they did just as much work.
The movement for women's rights started in the United States during the 19th century. By this point women being seen as the caretaker of the house and family was embedded into American society. Also it was apparent that women were seen as less than men. An example is, even though this was in 1750 it shows how inferior women were seen, 90 percent of the white male population was literate, but only 40 percent of the white women population was able to read and write. Also in some laws and practices, "it is considered improper for women to speak in public. And then a big issue was women were not allowed to vote in any state a part of the Union. Women fought these social norms and change in the country was starting to happen. Between the years 1780 and 1840 the population of literate women doubled because those who already could read and write would write magazines, newspaper articles, and even have women publications. There were also meetings and public gatherings where both women and men would come to listen. One of the most famous ones was at Seneca Falls, New York in 1848. Many people showed up and both men and women stood up and talked about how women should have equal rights. Newspaper articles were written about it with many different views. This article says regarding Seneca Falls, "This bolt is the most shocking and unnatural incident ever recorded in the history of womanity". This article is basically saying that even the thought of women fighting for equal rights as men is shocking and so unnatural that it cannot happen. Articles like these would be printed about all public gatherings and more. However, the leaders of the movement would not give up and their persistance eventually. Or did it?
Although there have been monumental steps forward for women in their pursuit of equal rights, in ways they are still seen as inferior to men. If not inferior there is a definite difference in how women are seen in the United States. From the time we are born we have been taught that being a women is not as good as a man. The term "You throw like a girl!" is often used by little kids and teachers and parents do nothing to stop that. Just because you're not the best at throwing a ball means you throw like a girl? Some girls can throw it much better than a lot of boys, but still that term is used to say someone is less than par at throwing a ball. From little kids to full grown adults women are perceived differently. Some examples are if a man wears a fancy, expensive suit he is seen as classy, but if a woman wears a fancy dress she is seen as a show off and someone who is seeking attention. Another example is if a male holds a high position in the workplace e is seen as a strict, but fair boss, but if a woman holds that same position she is seen as demanding or a terrible boss. These are just some of the examples, but there are countless examples of small details that separate the men from the women. Although there have been many steps forward for women and have been able to gain many rights, they unfortunately have a long way to go to be seen as equal as men. Sadly there may be a possibility that women may never be seen as 100 percent equal because of how long they have been see as less.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/images/vc006199.jpg
http://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/zinnint6.html
http://www.edline.net/files/_AIGnD_/6df91fdbe19f85633745a49013852ec4/Laws_and_Practices.pdf
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