I agree with Julia that all these women have helped create change for women by working to provide equal rights. I was particularly struck by Sojourner Truth's speech "Ain't I a Woman?" which carries a powerful message, revealing themes that continue to resonate powerfully within modern society. I definitely agree with Julia that Sojourner Truth took the anger she felt from men’s artificial gestures of respect, to display women’s power. In addition, I felt that in her speech, Truth was addressing both women and men in separate arguments. To the women, Truth stated that if the first woman God was powerful 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!" (Truth, 1851). Truth inspires in the women that if they work together, they can achieve anything. Women must take control over their lives and claim their place in society. Conversely, I think that Truth attempts to dissuade the men in the audience from maintaining stereotypical opinions that women should be "helped into carriages and lifted over ditches" (Truth, 1851).
The speech continues to inspire modern day feminists, both black and white. Women are able to vote, due to Truth’s and other suffragists’ work. Women are also able to hold jobs other than babysitters and housekeepers. Women are highly educated and although women aren’t always seen as equal to men, they are not seen as inferior as they once were. Society as a whole accepts and respects women and their efforts, accomplishments and contributions. The possibilities for women are limitless and I wonder where this will take us in the future.
In addressing Julia's question on how we make sure we are aware of the
actions around us, I think it is important for women to continue to
stand up for their rights and work towards equal opportunity in every
sphere of society. Women should share ideas and have conferences
discussing these issues making them known to the public.
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