Caught in the Imperfection

Since the beginning of time, men have always been deemed superior to women.  In the mid-19th century, women in America had to do certain things, and were excluded from some things that only men could do.  Women spent most of their time indoors at home, raising children and completing household chores.  Below, the photo shows a typical 1800s mother, taking care of her baby,  entertaining her other children, and maintaining a calm environment.  It is clear to see that the father is not home helping his wife.  Gender equality has been a long struggle, and is still a problem today.

A Typical 19th-Century White Woman in Her Home

  
The Seneca Falls Convention and Society's Reaction
In 1848, the first women's rights convention was held in New York.  There, women's voting rights were publicly addressed for the first time.  Also, the Laws and Practices of Women were demanded to be changed.  The Laws and Practices of Women clearly stated that women didn't have the same rights as men, women weren't supposed to speak publicly, and in some states, it was even legal for a man to beat his wife.  Most American men reacted negatively; they enjoyed being superior.  Some newspapers offered their opinions, too.  The Oneida Whig paper wrote very negative things about the demands.  However, on August 30, 1848, the National Reformer published an article supporting the Seneca Falls Convention.  The National Reformer wrote: "...we would ask but for one valid reason why woman should be deprived rights as an intelligent being...".  Finally, women's rights advocates had their voices heard and understood by logical humans.

Inequality Today
I must begin this last piece by stating that I am in no way a feminist, nor am I a "meninist".  In the video we watched in class, you could see a man and a woman being described with the same words, but being represented differently.  In most cases, the man's representation was positive, and the woman's was negative.  Being only 15, I have never experienced the wrath of gender inequality, but the female and male extremist advocates make me not want to stand up for my own gender.  I do not believe that women should be treated like they were treated in 1848, but I strongly believe that women need to recognize they are strong, and should fight for themselves as individuals, not attack the entire male gender for something not everyone has done.  Many women are fighting for equal rights, and they are certainly making more of an impact today than they did in 1848, but the world will never be perfect.....

Philippines Pantene Commercial 2013-

Women Against Labels