1. The interview with Pam Schroeder, who is the former Democratic Congress-woman,
is a discussion about Hilary Clinton as a female candidate for presidency. When Hilary Clinton made the decision about running for a president, she probably knew there would be some difficulties. However, her expectations probably didn’t include so much sexism in America. According to American ideas there shouldn’t be racism or sexism in this country. This is the country where “all men are equal.” Wait…is it men or human? Yes, it is “men.” Here we are deciding for a president of our country based on race and sex. Interestingly, even Pam Schroeder who supports Clinton, has her doubts about her becoming the next president. While Schroeder acknowledges that Clinton is a very strong person and an excellent candidate, she also mentions that there is still a lot of sexism in America. More importantly, as mentioned in the interview, the fact that Clinton is a woman, her speeches may remind men of their wives, who are in charge of the domestic duties. Even though Hilary Clinton may have unveiled the glass ceiling, she is trying really hard to get through it. Many Americans cannot get the idea of a president who can cry or wear make up. It is very interesting to see what is stronger in America, sexism or racism. And that we will find out after the elections.
2. According to Gloria Steinem, who Co-founder of Women Media Center,
the media has created and an “either or” situation about Obama and Clinton. This is because it is for the first time in the American history that the candidates running for president are an African American man and white female. Supposing that the media is the one to blame for creating such conflict. Who are the buyers of such information? Who is the media? Aren’t they all Americans? All these ideas are created by the American people. The interview also highlights an important point, not all democrats vote based on democratic ideas. Instead, they vote race over sex or the other way around. While the entire country is going through some serious crisis, American democrats argue whether or not they should vote for the African American male or the white female. America never had both African American and female president. Yes, it is a big step for this country. However, what about changing the history by working together? The irony of all this is that racism and sexism are different forms of discrimination. The question is which one will win. Even though the country is in a desperate need for change, many Americans have inculcated ideas that won’t change for many years to come.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Blog #14
Part I
1. In the late 1960s and early 1970 various events contributes to the start of feminists’ revival. Due some drastic political changes there was a social change emerging. Women were a big part of this change, often called women’s liberation. There were important political figures whose lives and deaths affected women, both white and black. The Civil Rights movement helped women to peruse their freedom. Moreover, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. made more black women to participate in feminists’ revival. Robert Kennedy’s assassination also triggered many women to come out of their homes and be part of the social changes. Finally, the war in Vietnam also gave place for many women. Many started protests against the war.
2. The protest at Miss America pageant in 1968 was a protest against social expectations. The idea of women was being, once again, portrayed through the men’s eyes. Female beauty was being defined based on what attracted men. Because women had to compete with each other to be “the most beautiful” for many women it was hard to imagine how women could be judged based on standards and criteria. Many women tried to change the idea of women. The began to burn their bras. Additionally, other items that were specially for women, such as make up, were also thrown away. These were some of the protests that portray women’s liberation.
3. The war over the sexes is not over. For any war to be over there has to be a unanimous decision. While there have been great changes in women’s and men’s lives, there is still something even greater to change, the idea. The idea of women (and men) in the society is still the same. While in America over the years the idea of women hasn’t change much, women’s role have been greatly expanded. Today the society expects much more from a women than just her old fashion duties, such as education, goals, and self-esteem. In some other parts of the world women are still treated as animals, who don’t have the right to even think. Therefore, if there is a war of sexes, it is not over, and in some places it hasn’t even began.
Part II
4. Mary Tyler as “liberation” shows a woman who is very much goal oriented. This woman prefers her career, journalism, over a boyfriend. On the other hand, Sex and The City also has single women who are not very much career oriented, even though they don’t have any serous relationship in her lives either. Orenstein compares these two shows because they both have single women. Additionally, she shows their differences by highlighting their values. While Mary Tyler shows a woman who takes advantage of her single life and tries to accomplish her goals, women in Sex and The City are very much different. They desperately need men in their lives to fulfill their emptiness because they don’t see themselves as individuals.
5. I don’t think Walker would agree with Orenstein. While they both may agree in that single women should explore life, they have a different view of women and sexuality. Orenstein’s idea of a woman is more conservative. While she celebrates the female independence, Orenstein doesn’t believe that a single woman should dedicate her life in exploring men. She doesn’t look at sex as an act of freedom. On the other hand, Walker is more inclined towards sexual desires. The exploration of all sexual desires and their fulfillment is very important for a single woman. Furthermore, Walker believes that sexual desires cannot and should not be repressed. Instead they should be a priority for any woman.
6. I can only base my opinion on what I know and see in my reality. While there may be an age where sexual desires and needs are a secret to be unveiled, there comes a time when women need the security of a stable life, regardless of it being with or without a men. In Sex and The City all these women seem sexually frustrated. Every age comes with it’s priorities. These women probably didn’t have an exciting youth. Therefore, they are still trying to explore their sexuality, while the other part of theirs, the age, is looking for something stable. There may be women in the real life just like these women in Sex and The City. However, I didn’t have the chance to personally know them.
1. In the late 1960s and early 1970 various events contributes to the start of feminists’ revival. Due some drastic political changes there was a social change emerging. Women were a big part of this change, often called women’s liberation. There were important political figures whose lives and deaths affected women, both white and black. The Civil Rights movement helped women to peruse their freedom. Moreover, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. made more black women to participate in feminists’ revival. Robert Kennedy’s assassination also triggered many women to come out of their homes and be part of the social changes. Finally, the war in Vietnam also gave place for many women. Many started protests against the war.
2. The protest at Miss America pageant in 1968 was a protest against social expectations. The idea of women was being, once again, portrayed through the men’s eyes. Female beauty was being defined based on what attracted men. Because women had to compete with each other to be “the most beautiful” for many women it was hard to imagine how women could be judged based on standards and criteria. Many women tried to change the idea of women. The began to burn their bras. Additionally, other items that were specially for women, such as make up, were also thrown away. These were some of the protests that portray women’s liberation.
3. The war over the sexes is not over. For any war to be over there has to be a unanimous decision. While there have been great changes in women’s and men’s lives, there is still something even greater to change, the idea. The idea of women (and men) in the society is still the same. While in America over the years the idea of women hasn’t change much, women’s role have been greatly expanded. Today the society expects much more from a women than just her old fashion duties, such as education, goals, and self-esteem. In some other parts of the world women are still treated as animals, who don’t have the right to even think. Therefore, if there is a war of sexes, it is not over, and in some places it hasn’t even began.
Part II
4. Mary Tyler as “liberation” shows a woman who is very much goal oriented. This woman prefers her career, journalism, over a boyfriend. On the other hand, Sex and The City also has single women who are not very much career oriented, even though they don’t have any serous relationship in her lives either. Orenstein compares these two shows because they both have single women. Additionally, she shows their differences by highlighting their values. While Mary Tyler shows a woman who takes advantage of her single life and tries to accomplish her goals, women in Sex and The City are very much different. They desperately need men in their lives to fulfill their emptiness because they don’t see themselves as individuals.
5. I don’t think Walker would agree with Orenstein. While they both may agree in that single women should explore life, they have a different view of women and sexuality. Orenstein’s idea of a woman is more conservative. While she celebrates the female independence, Orenstein doesn’t believe that a single woman should dedicate her life in exploring men. She doesn’t look at sex as an act of freedom. On the other hand, Walker is more inclined towards sexual desires. The exploration of all sexual desires and their fulfillment is very important for a single woman. Furthermore, Walker believes that sexual desires cannot and should not be repressed. Instead they should be a priority for any woman.
6. I can only base my opinion on what I know and see in my reality. While there may be an age where sexual desires and needs are a secret to be unveiled, there comes a time when women need the security of a stable life, regardless of it being with or without a men. In Sex and The City all these women seem sexually frustrated. Every age comes with it’s priorities. These women probably didn’t have an exciting youth. Therefore, they are still trying to explore their sexuality, while the other part of theirs, the age, is looking for something stable. There may be women in the real life just like these women in Sex and The City. However, I didn’t have the chance to personally know them.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Blo #13
1. The Cold War had a great impact on American women. When the country was going through difficult times, women were expected to go back to their domestic duties. The society was, once again, returning to its old traditions, where the woman was a housewife and the man, the provider. Women who worked outside of their homes made their men look weak in the eyes of the society. While during the World War II the country tried to take women out of their homes to substitute men’s jobs, it was very different during the Cold War. There was a big propaganda going on in the media and television to turn women back to their homes and make them the “old fashion” housewives.
2. What Betty Friedan wrote made the historians analyze it twice. While Friedan talked about housewives and how they served their husbands. However, what really made the historians re-analyze her writings was that Friedan only talked about one class of women, upper class white. Historians found that Betty Friedan didn’t mention black women and their lives. In her writings Friedan didn’t even describe the middle class white women. Another thing that caught the historians attention was that she only mentioned women who didn’t work outside of their homes. She never mentioned the working women.
3. The working class women, predominantly white, who went further in the labor force were the activist women of the 1950s. To start, all women faced many difficulties, such as discrimination and education problems when it came to getting a job. Latinas and African American were most of the time, discriminated. Additionally, women who didn’t have education couldn’t get jobs either. Women who had education were mostly white middle class. Therefore, they became the activists.
4. During the civil rights movement the idea and role of a leader was not precisely a woman. While female civil rights activists worked as hard as male did, their work was represented by men. At times women, just like during the World War II, were only substitutes for men for a short period of time. For instance, Ella Baker was only an executive director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference because there was no male candidate found. She was temporarily appointed, until a male candidate could be found. The society at the time, (and even today) wouldn’t choose a female leader to follow regardless of women’s contributions to the civil rights movement.
2. What Betty Friedan wrote made the historians analyze it twice. While Friedan talked about housewives and how they served their husbands. However, what really made the historians re-analyze her writings was that Friedan only talked about one class of women, upper class white. Historians found that Betty Friedan didn’t mention black women and their lives. In her writings Friedan didn’t even describe the middle class white women. Another thing that caught the historians attention was that she only mentioned women who didn’t work outside of their homes. She never mentioned the working women.
3. The working class women, predominantly white, who went further in the labor force were the activist women of the 1950s. To start, all women faced many difficulties, such as discrimination and education problems when it came to getting a job. Latinas and African American were most of the time, discriminated. Additionally, women who didn’t have education couldn’t get jobs either. Women who had education were mostly white middle class. Therefore, they became the activists.
4. During the civil rights movement the idea and role of a leader was not precisely a woman. While female civil rights activists worked as hard as male did, their work was represented by men. At times women, just like during the World War II, were only substitutes for men for a short period of time. For instance, Ella Baker was only an executive director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference because there was no male candidate found. She was temporarily appointed, until a male candidate could be found. The society at the time, (and even today) wouldn’t choose a female leader to follow regardless of women’s contributions to the civil rights movement.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Blog #12
Textbook
1. World War II gave women a new identity. During these times women were ready to help the country in any and every way they could. To begin, they started working at jobs that before only men worked. Some women worked at jobs such as mechanics and welding. Many others also joined the army by joining Women’s Army and Air force. Nevertheless, women who had joined the army weren’t allowed to fight in war. While many women still performed jobs typical for women such as, telephone operators, clerical workers, and nurses, women who performed jobs that were more suitable for men, weren’t permanent workers. Because men were absent, women had become substitutes of men’s jobs.
2. World War II brought many changes for women, changes that marked an important time period for women. One of the most long lasting effects of World War II was probably women and education. After the war many women started to continue their education. Next, while during the war many women worked at certain jobs because men were absent, after the war these women were still highly classified workers because of their experience. Finally, many women also moved to the cities where there were more opportunities to grow more independent.
Source Interpretation
1. According to the article gender isn’t an issue for women to find jobs. Because men are at war, women have the opportunity to substitute them at work. Additionally, while women receive the same salary as men, they are also treated like men. On the other hand, the article also, in some way, portrays gendered division. Men do the important parts of the work. Whereas, some women, add the final touches.
2. The audience of this article is probably mostly women because it is published in “The Ladies Home” journal. However, if the male soldiers, who are so far from home, have the chance to have this article in their hands, they will probably read it too.
3. It is hard to imagine anyone, a man or woman, who would enjoy such conditions of work. However, women maintain a somewhat positive attitude. Women who work so many hours, under so much pressure, and so hard, are satisfied because they get paid more than they used to. On the other hand, some women want to go back to their old jobs.
4. The article suggests that women who work as hard as men, still maintain their femininity. First, after work women go home and still perform their housework. They clean, wash, and cook. Additionally, they also show their femininity at work. Even though their work is hard and they don’t have much of free time, women still find time to do their nails.
5. After the was many different things may happen to women. Some women would probably lose their jobs because men would come back from war. Some others would get married and start a family. Many others would have to go back to their old jobs, where the money isn’t vary good.
1. World War II gave women a new identity. During these times women were ready to help the country in any and every way they could. To begin, they started working at jobs that before only men worked. Some women worked at jobs such as mechanics and welding. Many others also joined the army by joining Women’s Army and Air force. Nevertheless, women who had joined the army weren’t allowed to fight in war. While many women still performed jobs typical for women such as, telephone operators, clerical workers, and nurses, women who performed jobs that were more suitable for men, weren’t permanent workers. Because men were absent, women had become substitutes of men’s jobs.
2. World War II brought many changes for women, changes that marked an important time period for women. One of the most long lasting effects of World War II was probably women and education. After the war many women started to continue their education. Next, while during the war many women worked at certain jobs because men were absent, after the war these women were still highly classified workers because of their experience. Finally, many women also moved to the cities where there were more opportunities to grow more independent.
Source Interpretation
1. According to the article gender isn’t an issue for women to find jobs. Because men are at war, women have the opportunity to substitute them at work. Additionally, while women receive the same salary as men, they are also treated like men. On the other hand, the article also, in some way, portrays gendered division. Men do the important parts of the work. Whereas, some women, add the final touches.
2. The audience of this article is probably mostly women because it is published in “The Ladies Home” journal. However, if the male soldiers, who are so far from home, have the chance to have this article in their hands, they will probably read it too.
3. It is hard to imagine anyone, a man or woman, who would enjoy such conditions of work. However, women maintain a somewhat positive attitude. Women who work so many hours, under so much pressure, and so hard, are satisfied because they get paid more than they used to. On the other hand, some women want to go back to their old jobs.
4. The article suggests that women who work as hard as men, still maintain their femininity. First, after work women go home and still perform their housework. They clean, wash, and cook. Additionally, they also show their femininity at work. Even though their work is hard and they don’t have much of free time, women still find time to do their nails.
5. After the was many different things may happen to women. Some women would probably lose their jobs because men would come back from war. Some others would get married and start a family. Many others would have to go back to their old jobs, where the money isn’t vary good.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Blog # 11
1. In 1920’s it was appropriate to speak about a “New Woman” for many reasons. To begin, in this time period women had become more independent from men. Additionally, they were more involved in many aspects of life that before, only men were allowed, such as politics. Women were finally allowed to vote. Moreover, women also started forming social and political organizations. Finally, flapper marked the beginning of the new fashion women. They started to were shorter close and hair. However, women didn’t only change their conservative image, they also changed their social lives. They started to drink and dance in public places.
2. In 1920’s women who were active in politics encounter difficulties in accomplishing their agenda because they had an undefined authority. Women had conflicts among themselves when making decisions about their duties and positions at work. While before they were united because their goal was to gain voting rights, now they started to have differences in many aspects. For example, African American women had conflicts with white women because white women didn’t care about African American women and their rights. African American women didn’t get a chance to publicly expose their concerns. Women had different ideals and beliefs. Therefore, their goals were becoming different.
3. The “Migrant Mother” is an image that represents women during the Great Depression. The expressions of the image clearly illustrate poverty and stress. The clothes that they are wearing are old and worn. The expression of the women’s face transmit’s the great pain that she feels inside. This may be because she is concerned for her children. She is, most probably worried for their lives. Additionally, during these times women went back to their traditional roles. They, once again, became housewives and mothers. This was because the man of the family was the main provider, and he was outside, trying to find a job. By her children being very close to her, it show how they find security in their mother.
4. Even though the Great Depression affected both men and women, its effects were stronger on men. Both men and women started to lose their jobs. However, because men were the main providers of the household, the effects of the Great Depression were direct on them. They felt that they were losing their manhood. Moreover, many men even left their wives because they felt inferior. On the other hand, the society didn’t like women who still had their jobs and whose husbands also worked. It gave ways to conflicts. Finally, during the Great Depression, jobs that were only for women had a fast come back. Whereas, men still didn’t find employment.
2. In 1920’s women who were active in politics encounter difficulties in accomplishing their agenda because they had an undefined authority. Women had conflicts among themselves when making decisions about their duties and positions at work. While before they were united because their goal was to gain voting rights, now they started to have differences in many aspects. For example, African American women had conflicts with white women because white women didn’t care about African American women and their rights. African American women didn’t get a chance to publicly expose their concerns. Women had different ideals and beliefs. Therefore, their goals were becoming different.
3. The “Migrant Mother” is an image that represents women during the Great Depression. The expressions of the image clearly illustrate poverty and stress. The clothes that they are wearing are old and worn. The expression of the women’s face transmit’s the great pain that she feels inside. This may be because she is concerned for her children. She is, most probably worried for their lives. Additionally, during these times women went back to their traditional roles. They, once again, became housewives and mothers. This was because the man of the family was the main provider, and he was outside, trying to find a job. By her children being very close to her, it show how they find security in their mother.
4. Even though the Great Depression affected both men and women, its effects were stronger on men. Both men and women started to lose their jobs. However, because men were the main providers of the household, the effects of the Great Depression were direct on them. They felt that they were losing their manhood. Moreover, many men even left their wives because they felt inferior. On the other hand, the society didn’t like women who still had their jobs and whose husbands also worked. It gave ways to conflicts. Finally, during the Great Depression, jobs that were only for women had a fast come back. Whereas, men still didn’t find employment.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Blog #9
Part I
1. As the United State expanded, there was a great demand for factory workers. Migrating to the United Estate, for many, was a chance to find better life. At first, men were more interested in coming to US than women. However, through the time more and more women started to migrate. One of the main differences between immigrant men and women was that women were more susceptible to sexual abuse. Another difference was that many men came to the United States to work, gather some money and return home. Women, on the other hand were more interested in establishing their personal life and finding husbands.
2. The main goal between women involved in the industrial protest, the populist movement, and the settlement house movement was the same. They all wanted to establish equality. While they all tried to protest in different ways, the goal was one. Some women protested for the low wages. Some others, such as non elite white and black women, created a political party, the Populist. These women intended to solve problems that only concerned women. The settlement house movement, on the other hand was more concerned about helping immigrant women. Finally, while women helped each other, they also benefited the society.
Part II
1. What Addams wrote, in some way, can also be seen in today’s society. What she actually noticed was how people understand charity. Wealthy people stayed in the good side of the city, totally isolated from the poor, yet they tried to help. It can so easily be compared to what many wealthy people do now a days. No one wants to understand the poor’s problem. The poor will be surprised if someone is really concerned for him or her. That’s what happened when a women came to the city and started to really care for these people. They just didn’t understand her intentions.
2. Addams finally understood that people were different. They were different due to the life they lived. Conflicts occurred because of these differences. Addams saw the politics of the wealthy, who employed the poor. She realized that hard work would not make the poor rich. Additionally, she had a democratic idea of the poor. Addams believed that it wasn’t the person’s fault when he or she was poor but the society’s. While it was hard to change the society, she did try. She really wanted to help the poor. Most importantly, Addams was influenced by Hebrew religion. The philosophy of giving was an important factor in her life.
1. As the United State expanded, there was a great demand for factory workers. Migrating to the United Estate, for many, was a chance to find better life. At first, men were more interested in coming to US than women. However, through the time more and more women started to migrate. One of the main differences between immigrant men and women was that women were more susceptible to sexual abuse. Another difference was that many men came to the United States to work, gather some money and return home. Women, on the other hand were more interested in establishing their personal life and finding husbands.
2. The main goal between women involved in the industrial protest, the populist movement, and the settlement house movement was the same. They all wanted to establish equality. While they all tried to protest in different ways, the goal was one. Some women protested for the low wages. Some others, such as non elite white and black women, created a political party, the Populist. These women intended to solve problems that only concerned women. The settlement house movement, on the other hand was more concerned about helping immigrant women. Finally, while women helped each other, they also benefited the society.
Part II
1. What Addams wrote, in some way, can also be seen in today’s society. What she actually noticed was how people understand charity. Wealthy people stayed in the good side of the city, totally isolated from the poor, yet they tried to help. It can so easily be compared to what many wealthy people do now a days. No one wants to understand the poor’s problem. The poor will be surprised if someone is really concerned for him or her. That’s what happened when a women came to the city and started to really care for these people. They just didn’t understand her intentions.
2. Addams finally understood that people were different. They were different due to the life they lived. Conflicts occurred because of these differences. Addams saw the politics of the wealthy, who employed the poor. She realized that hard work would not make the poor rich. Additionally, she had a democratic idea of the poor. Addams believed that it wasn’t the person’s fault when he or she was poor but the society’s. While it was hard to change the society, she did try. She really wanted to help the poor. Most importantly, Addams was influenced by Hebrew religion. The philosophy of giving was an important factor in her life.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Blog #8
Part I
1. In the late nineteenth century the industrialization era had began. After the Civil War, many women’s role had already changed. Some of them had left their homes and their usual domestic duties and were on their own. Some others, had a family and still worked. Even though women found work in clothing factories, they were still underestimated. They weren’t paid hourly wages. Instead, women’s salary was based on the quantity of their work. Consequently, women started to produce more to earn more. Additionally, women started working in offices. They were good at typewriting. Most of the time, the working class women worked in more than one job, to help their families. Middle class women didn’t have to work. They were either married or from comparatively wealthier families. Elite women didn’t work either. Moreover, they were wealthy enough to have servants who performed their domestic work.
2. The importance of the images is to reflect the dramatic change in Native American women who were sent to boarding schools. In the first picture the girls are dressed like Indigenes. Additionally, they set on the floor. Whereas in the other picture they are around a table, dressed like western women. Most importantly, one of the girls has an open book. This is to show that in these schools they could learn how to read. Most importantly, the images convey an ethnocentric point of view. Native American women were forced to come out of their culture and adapt the western culture, which was considered superior.
Part 2
1. Women from different backgrounds worked at the factory. For one thing, Bessie Van Vorst encounters a woman who has been working their for many years. The physical condition of her eyes reflect years of experience. This woman advices Van Vorst that working at the factory is not going to result in decent life. Next, Van Vorst meets a girl who’s family has the means to support her. Nevertheless, she still chooses to work because this girl wants to spend her own money. Finally, there are others she meets, who had to work because they had to support their families and themselves. Van Vorst sees that every woman in the factory has a personal reason to be there.
2. Bessie Van Vorst concludes that working women are passive in accepting their working conditions because she sees how important they are for their employers and in what conditions they work. These women accept what they are given without realizing their value as a worker. I think Van Vorst is right in saying that women accept whatever conditions of work they are offered. However, I do not agree in that these women are “unwilling to stand up” for their rights. First, all these women have different backgrounds. Some women have financially strong families. Some others need to work to survive. Because their reasons and needs are different, they do not have a common goal. Next, many women don’t want to speak out because they think they may lose their jobs. And for some, losing this job can be crucial. Finally, women, unlike men, are just starting to establish their place in the society, outside of their homes. While they are willing to change their conditions, it is not easy for these women to challenge the new system.
1. In the late nineteenth century the industrialization era had began. After the Civil War, many women’s role had already changed. Some of them had left their homes and their usual domestic duties and were on their own. Some others, had a family and still worked. Even though women found work in clothing factories, they were still underestimated. They weren’t paid hourly wages. Instead, women’s salary was based on the quantity of their work. Consequently, women started to produce more to earn more. Additionally, women started working in offices. They were good at typewriting. Most of the time, the working class women worked in more than one job, to help their families. Middle class women didn’t have to work. They were either married or from comparatively wealthier families. Elite women didn’t work either. Moreover, they were wealthy enough to have servants who performed their domestic work.
2. The importance of the images is to reflect the dramatic change in Native American women who were sent to boarding schools. In the first picture the girls are dressed like Indigenes. Additionally, they set on the floor. Whereas in the other picture they are around a table, dressed like western women. Most importantly, one of the girls has an open book. This is to show that in these schools they could learn how to read. Most importantly, the images convey an ethnocentric point of view. Native American women were forced to come out of their culture and adapt the western culture, which was considered superior.
Part 2
1. Women from different backgrounds worked at the factory. For one thing, Bessie Van Vorst encounters a woman who has been working their for many years. The physical condition of her eyes reflect years of experience. This woman advices Van Vorst that working at the factory is not going to result in decent life. Next, Van Vorst meets a girl who’s family has the means to support her. Nevertheless, she still chooses to work because this girl wants to spend her own money. Finally, there are others she meets, who had to work because they had to support their families and themselves. Van Vorst sees that every woman in the factory has a personal reason to be there.
2. Bessie Van Vorst concludes that working women are passive in accepting their working conditions because she sees how important they are for their employers and in what conditions they work. These women accept what they are given without realizing their value as a worker. I think Van Vorst is right in saying that women accept whatever conditions of work they are offered. However, I do not agree in that these women are “unwilling to stand up” for their rights. First, all these women have different backgrounds. Some women have financially strong families. Some others need to work to survive. Because their reasons and needs are different, they do not have a common goal. Next, many women don’t want to speak out because they think they may lose their jobs. And for some, losing this job can be crucial. Finally, women, unlike men, are just starting to establish their place in the society, outside of their homes. While they are willing to change their conditions, it is not easy for these women to challenge the new system.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Blog # 7
Part I
1. Women in the North had major differences with women in the South. Wealthy white women in the South had invested most of their finances in buying slaves. Their wealth was depending on slaves. Slaves worked in field, in houses, and in other place they were told to. White women, just like white men, were very much conscious that by freeing slaves they would lose most of what they had. In the North, on the other hand, things were very much different. Slaves were already free and ready to fight for other slaves’ freedom. During and after Civil war many women supported the ideas of their men. They fought for and against slavery with each other.
2. The emergence of the new South had a great impact on women. To start, many freed slaves began to look for their brothers, sisters, and spouses who were sold years ago. Some women found their long lost partners, who already had a new family. Many others ended up working for white employers. Nevertheless, black men didn’t want their women to work in the fields anymore. Black women started to perform housework. Most importantly, they had the opportunity to receive education in number of schools that opened during the times of Reconstruction. On the other hand, elite white women, who had spent most of their fortune in buying slaves, lost much of their financial power. Lower class white women, however, didn’t seem much affected by the emancipation of the slaves. They worked in textile factories, where black women weren’t allowed to work.
Part II
1. The underlying tension and larger conflicts that led to the lynching of Thomas Moss was racial. When black slaves were freed, they still worked for white employers. However, many ex-slaves were getting their own lands. Additionally, they were becoming more and more independent from white men by forming their communities. White men, on the other hand, were beginning to feel somewhat threatened or intimidated by these ex-slaves, whom, not long ago, they had treated like animals. And so some white men had to do something to create a negative image of these black men. Thomas Moss was one of the victims whose name was intentionally involved in a crime, he had never committed. Therefore, he was unjustly punished.
2. Wells was determined to find out the truth behind every single lynching that was going to be published. When it was announced in the new paper that a black men was lynched because he had raped a seven-year-old women, Wells decide to go and see the little girl. Instead she found a young woman. This young lady was emotionally involved with the black man. However, to protect her image in the community, her father, the sheriff, had invented the story of her being raped. By investigating many similar stories, Wells concluded that some white people hadn’t assimilated the idea of blacks being free. Consequently, they tried to kill them by promoting lies.
3. Looking back through the history, Wells realized that the justice system was unfair. When black women were slaves, they were treated as objects. White men sexually abused their female slaves. Additionally, many of these slaves became pregnant. Most masters didn’t take responsibly in taking care of their mulatto children. Instead, they sold them as slaves. While some wealthy white men did free their mulatto children and bought lands for them, that wasn’t always the case. And yet these men were never punished. Their actions were never considered wrong or bad. On the other hand, Wells saw how black men were being charged for rape and murder, when they were innocent.
1. Women in the North had major differences with women in the South. Wealthy white women in the South had invested most of their finances in buying slaves. Their wealth was depending on slaves. Slaves worked in field, in houses, and in other place they were told to. White women, just like white men, were very much conscious that by freeing slaves they would lose most of what they had. In the North, on the other hand, things were very much different. Slaves were already free and ready to fight for other slaves’ freedom. During and after Civil war many women supported the ideas of their men. They fought for and against slavery with each other.
2. The emergence of the new South had a great impact on women. To start, many freed slaves began to look for their brothers, sisters, and spouses who were sold years ago. Some women found their long lost partners, who already had a new family. Many others ended up working for white employers. Nevertheless, black men didn’t want their women to work in the fields anymore. Black women started to perform housework. Most importantly, they had the opportunity to receive education in number of schools that opened during the times of Reconstruction. On the other hand, elite white women, who had spent most of their fortune in buying slaves, lost much of their financial power. Lower class white women, however, didn’t seem much affected by the emancipation of the slaves. They worked in textile factories, where black women weren’t allowed to work.
Part II
1. The underlying tension and larger conflicts that led to the lynching of Thomas Moss was racial. When black slaves were freed, they still worked for white employers. However, many ex-slaves were getting their own lands. Additionally, they were becoming more and more independent from white men by forming their communities. White men, on the other hand, were beginning to feel somewhat threatened or intimidated by these ex-slaves, whom, not long ago, they had treated like animals. And so some white men had to do something to create a negative image of these black men. Thomas Moss was one of the victims whose name was intentionally involved in a crime, he had never committed. Therefore, he was unjustly punished.
2. Wells was determined to find out the truth behind every single lynching that was going to be published. When it was announced in the new paper that a black men was lynched because he had raped a seven-year-old women, Wells decide to go and see the little girl. Instead she found a young woman. This young lady was emotionally involved with the black man. However, to protect her image in the community, her father, the sheriff, had invented the story of her being raped. By investigating many similar stories, Wells concluded that some white people hadn’t assimilated the idea of blacks being free. Consequently, they tried to kill them by promoting lies.
3. Looking back through the history, Wells realized that the justice system was unfair. When black women were slaves, they were treated as objects. White men sexually abused their female slaves. Additionally, many of these slaves became pregnant. Most masters didn’t take responsibly in taking care of their mulatto children. Instead, they sold them as slaves. While some wealthy white men did free their mulatto children and bought lands for them, that wasn’t always the case. And yet these men were never punished. Their actions were never considered wrong or bad. On the other hand, Wells saw how black men were being charged for rape and murder, when they were innocent.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Blog #5
Blog #5
Part I
1. The lives of white women varied from place to place. In the South white women who were from wealthy families, never performed heavy labor. They had slaves who worked for them. The elite white women managed their slaves. Additionally, as wives of masters, they punished slaves who misbehaved. On the other hand, in the North women from poor families had to perform hard works. Women from families who weren’t slave owners became nurses for black women. Some others also worked in the fields to help their families. Black women, however, had to work in fields because they were ordered so. They worked as hard as black men did. These women were mistreated and beaten. Nevertheless, the hardest thing for black women was to bring a child into the world, for the child was going to be another slave.
2. Harriet Jacob’s story is significant because it confirms once more that there was no law or authority in the 1800s that protected women, specially slaves. Harriet was a black girl. She was a slave. Therefore she was her masters property. She had lost the her childhood innocence when she was twelve years old. Her master constantly abused her in every possible way. While Harriet Jacob had to work for her master, she also had to satisfy his sexual needs. Many black women lived under the same circumstances. Not only they were sexually abused by their masters but these women were also mistreated by their masters’ wives, who acted out of jealousy.
Part II
1. Slaves were properties of their owners, masters. The masters didn’t think that slave marriages could be beneficial for their wealth. Additionally, they didn’t think that black people could have same kind of emotions as they did. The owners didn’t allow slave marriages. However, the characters in the two accounts proved it otherwise. They proved that their relationships were full of emotions. More importantly, they proved that they could do anything for love. Their loyalty for one another had made them stronger. Above all the difficulties, two people who loved each other were ready to risk their lives. While the woman, who had to dress like a man to be able to travel with a slave, was risking her live, her lover, her slave, would also be in danger if caught.
2. These writings were first recorded on paper after years of the actual events. William Craft’s explanation is detail oriented. Not only he talk about the happening but also about his thought at the moment. I think he remembered all the details because William wanted to learn to write so that he could write his own story. All those years he probably played the events in his head to keep his memory fresh. On the other hand, Polly Shine’s story was more general. However, even though she was very old when her story was finally recorded, she remembered some important events. Finally, I think people react differently even when in the same situation. While the story is still the same, the individual experience may vary form person to person. Therefore, every individual’s memory is personalized.
Part I
1. The lives of white women varied from place to place. In the South white women who were from wealthy families, never performed heavy labor. They had slaves who worked for them. The elite white women managed their slaves. Additionally, as wives of masters, they punished slaves who misbehaved. On the other hand, in the North women from poor families had to perform hard works. Women from families who weren’t slave owners became nurses for black women. Some others also worked in the fields to help their families. Black women, however, had to work in fields because they were ordered so. They worked as hard as black men did. These women were mistreated and beaten. Nevertheless, the hardest thing for black women was to bring a child into the world, for the child was going to be another slave.
2. Harriet Jacob’s story is significant because it confirms once more that there was no law or authority in the 1800s that protected women, specially slaves. Harriet was a black girl. She was a slave. Therefore she was her masters property. She had lost the her childhood innocence when she was twelve years old. Her master constantly abused her in every possible way. While Harriet Jacob had to work for her master, she also had to satisfy his sexual needs. Many black women lived under the same circumstances. Not only they were sexually abused by their masters but these women were also mistreated by their masters’ wives, who acted out of jealousy.
Part II
1. Slaves were properties of their owners, masters. The masters didn’t think that slave marriages could be beneficial for their wealth. Additionally, they didn’t think that black people could have same kind of emotions as they did. The owners didn’t allow slave marriages. However, the characters in the two accounts proved it otherwise. They proved that their relationships were full of emotions. More importantly, they proved that they could do anything for love. Their loyalty for one another had made them stronger. Above all the difficulties, two people who loved each other were ready to risk their lives. While the woman, who had to dress like a man to be able to travel with a slave, was risking her live, her lover, her slave, would also be in danger if caught.
2. These writings were first recorded on paper after years of the actual events. William Craft’s explanation is detail oriented. Not only he talk about the happening but also about his thought at the moment. I think he remembered all the details because William wanted to learn to write so that he could write his own story. All those years he probably played the events in his head to keep his memory fresh. On the other hand, Polly Shine’s story was more general. However, even though she was very old when her story was finally recorded, she remembered some important events. Finally, I think people react differently even when in the same situation. While the story is still the same, the individual experience may vary form person to person. Therefore, every individual’s memory is personalized.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Blog #4
Section A
1. The concept of True Womanhood was about the differences between men and women. It suggested that men were intellectually capable of making political decisions and leading businesses. Additionally, because men were physically stronger than women, they could perform heavy labors. On the other hand, according to True Womanhood women didn’t have to get involved in anything outside of their households. They were to obey and assist their husbands. Moreover, women were only to manage their homes. This idea was very much suitable for women of middle and high class society, the wealthy. Even though they preached this concept, in poor families women had to worked outside of their homes.
2. The Lowell mill girls were women who started working in factories. In the beginning of the industrialization era the factory owners needed women to come out of their homes and work for them. This movement was allowed because it benefited the capitalist men. Cheaper labor was going to result in more capital gained. Beside the individual gain the country would also have stronger and more stable economy. This movement indirectly benefited women as well. While the salaries were low, many women were able to financially help their husbands. Single women finally had a chance to become their own providers. The changes in women’s lives were beginning to gradually take place.
Section B
1. Sanger doesn’t believe that women who exercise prostitution are morally corrupt. He thinks that while both men and women must have virtues, the society only judges women for engaging in sexually immoral actions. More importantly, Sanger believes that a man who acquires the services of a prostitute, he is accountable for such action. The woman is only a victim. Additionally, he insists that women do have sexual needs and desires. However, these needs are awaked by an outside source, men. Because his job is related to prostitution (prostitutes are brought to him when caught), he decides to question them. By survey many prostitutes he concludes that many women, who have high moral values, sell their bodies for several reasons.
2. Sanger actually thinks that social, economic, and at time family factors influence some women to become prostitutes. First, Sanger thinks that women are victims of the social structure. Sanger points out that women who are seduced and later engaged into sexual activities are called immoral. Whereas, men, who also take part in such actions, are not such severely judged in the society. Additionally, some women have addictions to substances, such as alcohol. While their addictions may be the results of other traumatic event, such as abuse, these women are now prostitutes to maintain the habit. Finally, many women have financial difficulties in providing for themselves and for their children as well. Therefore, they sell their bodies.
3. Sanger’s conclusions are reflected in the many ways he justifies women’s actions. While he is trying to inform the society about the reasons of prostitution, Sanger fixed his position as women’s defender. His reasons for women to exercise prostitution are traced back to the social structure of his time. The society that is condemning these prostitutes is the ruling class, the wealthy. What Sanger is trying to do is to hold this very society accountable for women’s hardships, most importantly for prostitution. While his work is appreciated and remembered, I don’t think the society then understood the idea of prostitution and its whys; it certainly doesn’t now. Even if the society understands prostitution, it doesn’t want to be responsible for such conflict. Sanger’s hopes are still to be hopes.
1. The concept of True Womanhood was about the differences between men and women. It suggested that men were intellectually capable of making political decisions and leading businesses. Additionally, because men were physically stronger than women, they could perform heavy labors. On the other hand, according to True Womanhood women didn’t have to get involved in anything outside of their households. They were to obey and assist their husbands. Moreover, women were only to manage their homes. This idea was very much suitable for women of middle and high class society, the wealthy. Even though they preached this concept, in poor families women had to worked outside of their homes.
2. The Lowell mill girls were women who started working in factories. In the beginning of the industrialization era the factory owners needed women to come out of their homes and work for them. This movement was allowed because it benefited the capitalist men. Cheaper labor was going to result in more capital gained. Beside the individual gain the country would also have stronger and more stable economy. This movement indirectly benefited women as well. While the salaries were low, many women were able to financially help their husbands. Single women finally had a chance to become their own providers. The changes in women’s lives were beginning to gradually take place.
Section B
1. Sanger doesn’t believe that women who exercise prostitution are morally corrupt. He thinks that while both men and women must have virtues, the society only judges women for engaging in sexually immoral actions. More importantly, Sanger believes that a man who acquires the services of a prostitute, he is accountable for such action. The woman is only a victim. Additionally, he insists that women do have sexual needs and desires. However, these needs are awaked by an outside source, men. Because his job is related to prostitution (prostitutes are brought to him when caught), he decides to question them. By survey many prostitutes he concludes that many women, who have high moral values, sell their bodies for several reasons.
2. Sanger actually thinks that social, economic, and at time family factors influence some women to become prostitutes. First, Sanger thinks that women are victims of the social structure. Sanger points out that women who are seduced and later engaged into sexual activities are called immoral. Whereas, men, who also take part in such actions, are not such severely judged in the society. Additionally, some women have addictions to substances, such as alcohol. While their addictions may be the results of other traumatic event, such as abuse, these women are now prostitutes to maintain the habit. Finally, many women have financial difficulties in providing for themselves and for their children as well. Therefore, they sell their bodies.
3. Sanger’s conclusions are reflected in the many ways he justifies women’s actions. While he is trying to inform the society about the reasons of prostitution, Sanger fixed his position as women’s defender. His reasons for women to exercise prostitution are traced back to the social structure of his time. The society that is condemning these prostitutes is the ruling class, the wealthy. What Sanger is trying to do is to hold this very society accountable for women’s hardships, most importantly for prostitution. While his work is appreciated and remembered, I don’t think the society then understood the idea of prostitution and its whys; it certainly doesn’t now. Even if the society understands prostitution, it doesn’t want to be responsible for such conflict. Sanger’s hopes are still to be hopes.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Blog #3
Marianna
1. During the troubled times of the American Revolution, women had the opportunity to participate in the changing era. Sarha Osborn and other women settled not far from the frontline to help the solders. While the idea of women being away from home and in such environment was a significant change, their duties, however, remained the same. These women assisted soldiers in cooking, washing clothes, and other domestic-like duties. Some historians insist that women’s role in the society was altered due to the arrival of a new religion. Others believe that the change was influenced by the struggle. In both ways, however, women neither could establish their own identity in the society, nor they were able to break away from their traditional duties.
2. The study of women’s history unveiled the important, yet at times ignored, role they played throughout the history. First, to break away from the British, colonists stopped the consumption of imported products. Women actively promoted the replacement of coffee and tea with other beverages and started the production of fabrics. Next, when at war, some female slaves helped the British who promise them freedom. Colonists women became loyalists or patriots while endangering their lives. Native American women managed their communities and participated in the council’s decisions. These political actions marked a definite change of women’s role in the society. However, while many female slaves were freed and Native women’s duties changed due to adaptation, the revolution didn’t have the same affect on colonist women. As colonist men gained broader political rights, women were turned to their domestic duties.
3. The revolution created a new nation. To begin, the woman still maintained her role in the household. Nevertheless, when the man was absent, the woman also added some of his duties to hers. During the war some women managed farms and business, made political decisions, and served their communities. Additionally, the arrival of new ideas, such as religion and philosophy, gave women new perspectives of life. Most of the time their political and economic contributions were ignored. However, women didn’t act in pursuit of acknowledgement but in pursuit of common goal. They helped men in any and every way their socially, economically and individually limited positions permitted. In times of common struggle the nature of human kind proved to unite both male and female.
4. Rush and Murray both agreed in women getting education. To start, Rush believes that women play a greater role in the prosperity of America. Because their husbands have several duties to attend, he argues that women need to get education to be able to help and protect the husbands’ wealth. Next, Rush insists that women should get a some level of education to be able to raise a male child according to the standards of the new government . Most importantly, he points out that women’s education will make the marriage better, for the husband will have someone who will understand and appreciate his success. On the other hand, Murray gives examples of women who successfully achieved an economic independence. She insists, that a woman can be emotionally sensitive and intellectually accomplished at the same time. The revolution expanded the possibilities for female education. However, its idea still remained the same, for women’s level of education was only to assist men.
5. Both Rush and Murray point out that educating women is beneficial for the society. Their ideas, in some ways, coincide with the Republican Motherhood. After the war, the industrial era was gradually emerging. Additionally, the government needed to establish and stabilize the economy of a new nation. Women’s contribution in creating an independent government, while it was overall ignored, was indisputable. Therefore, new schools were established offering women not only to refine their female duties but also to obtain some basic knowledge of different subjects, such as philosophy, languages, history, and geography. While further benefits of educating women were yet to be discovered, at the time they would only be able to better assist their husbands and provide the next generation with higher values.
1. During the troubled times of the American Revolution, women had the opportunity to participate in the changing era. Sarha Osborn and other women settled not far from the frontline to help the solders. While the idea of women being away from home and in such environment was a significant change, their duties, however, remained the same. These women assisted soldiers in cooking, washing clothes, and other domestic-like duties. Some historians insist that women’s role in the society was altered due to the arrival of a new religion. Others believe that the change was influenced by the struggle. In both ways, however, women neither could establish their own identity in the society, nor they were able to break away from their traditional duties.
2. The study of women’s history unveiled the important, yet at times ignored, role they played throughout the history. First, to break away from the British, colonists stopped the consumption of imported products. Women actively promoted the replacement of coffee and tea with other beverages and started the production of fabrics. Next, when at war, some female slaves helped the British who promise them freedom. Colonists women became loyalists or patriots while endangering their lives. Native American women managed their communities and participated in the council’s decisions. These political actions marked a definite change of women’s role in the society. However, while many female slaves were freed and Native women’s duties changed due to adaptation, the revolution didn’t have the same affect on colonist women. As colonist men gained broader political rights, women were turned to their domestic duties.
3. The revolution created a new nation. To begin, the woman still maintained her role in the household. Nevertheless, when the man was absent, the woman also added some of his duties to hers. During the war some women managed farms and business, made political decisions, and served their communities. Additionally, the arrival of new ideas, such as religion and philosophy, gave women new perspectives of life. Most of the time their political and economic contributions were ignored. However, women didn’t act in pursuit of acknowledgement but in pursuit of common goal. They helped men in any and every way their socially, economically and individually limited positions permitted. In times of common struggle the nature of human kind proved to unite both male and female.
4. Rush and Murray both agreed in women getting education. To start, Rush believes that women play a greater role in the prosperity of America. Because their husbands have several duties to attend, he argues that women need to get education to be able to help and protect the husbands’ wealth. Next, Rush insists that women should get a some level of education to be able to raise a male child according to the standards of the new government . Most importantly, he points out that women’s education will make the marriage better, for the husband will have someone who will understand and appreciate his success. On the other hand, Murray gives examples of women who successfully achieved an economic independence. She insists, that a woman can be emotionally sensitive and intellectually accomplished at the same time. The revolution expanded the possibilities for female education. However, its idea still remained the same, for women’s level of education was only to assist men.
5. Both Rush and Murray point out that educating women is beneficial for the society. Their ideas, in some ways, coincide with the Republican Motherhood. After the war, the industrial era was gradually emerging. Additionally, the government needed to establish and stabilize the economy of a new nation. Women’s contribution in creating an independent government, while it was overall ignored, was indisputable. Therefore, new schools were established offering women not only to refine their female duties but also to obtain some basic knowledge of different subjects, such as philosophy, languages, history, and geography. While further benefits of educating women were yet to be discovered, at the time they would only be able to better assist their husbands and provide the next generation with higher values.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Blog # 2
It is a system of government in society or family where the authority is a male figure.
The excerpt is an argument where Rousseau reasons why women are of lesser rank in the society, yet they play an important role in the man‘s life.
To begin, Rousseau describes the constant physiological needs that women have during and after the pregnancy. Next, he insists that women have qualities, such as caring and kindness, that are needed in raising a child. Additionally, Rousseau believes that a man love his children through the woman.
(I will put my emotions aside and will simply invalidate his argument)
Rousseau’s arguments are not valid. First, he argues that the inequality is not a “man-made” structure but it is in the nature. Most importantly, when referring to the nature he uses the pronoun “he.” Rousseau appeals to the authority of the highest power who’s laws cannot be disobeyed. However, the statement becomes invalid, for he uses a fallacy of false authority. Additionally, the idea of Nature or God is subjective and cannot be neither dogmatic nor proven. Consequently, the rest of his argument becomes invalid, for he uses the model verb “ought to” several times when referring to the female duties in life. IF there are such laws for women to obey, their origin shall not be an abstract idea. He has no verifiable source for his evidence, therefore no evidence at all. As a result, his argument is invalid.
The role of Native American women differed from group to group. However, their similarities where the economic importance in the community. Indigenous women participated in the essentials of life, such as fishing, curing the meat, dressing the skin, and exchanged fur for other goods. Additionally, they had the liberty of leaving their husbands if they weren‘t happy. Native American men practiced polygamy which was approved by their women. After the invasion of the Americas, the overpopulation of England forced many, mostly man, to settle in the ’New Land.” Besides the sexual needs, men also needed help in farms. Therefore the government arranged for many women to move to America. However, due to various factors, such as child birth and diseases, many didn’t survive. The ones who did survive, became unpaid workers or got married hoping for a better life. Indigenous, European, and later African women faced one common factor, a drastic change in their lives.
African slave traders began to abduct and sell African women to Europeans in need of workers. While crossing the ocean, these women were held on the deck of the ships, where they were susceptible to sexual attacks by the crew. In America slaves worked in the tobacco plantations. Many factors, such as the prohibition of marriage, malnutrition, and excessive labor, led to low birthrate among the slaves. Women who had children were usually a single parent, mostly because either the fathers or themselves were sold. The slaves from West Africa were accustomed for the woman and the child to live apart from her husband, with her parents. Nevertheless, in America female slaves didn’t have their families. Eventually, masters started to provide better nutrition for their slaves to have more children for their own profit. Years of slavery strongly influenced the lives of both white and black women.
While the fundamental structure of life had some similarities, there was a major difference in the quality of life between the European and the colonists woman. This difference was significantly evident when comparing the first generation of women who arrived to America. Beside the fact that America was a new land for the colonist and didn’t have established laws, the first generation of men who migrated to America were, mostly, socially misfit in Europe. Therefore, women who arrived were practically treated as slaves. They provided free labor for the men or got married and worked for their husbands. Whereas, for women in Europe life remained unchanged.
The excerpt is an argument where Rousseau reasons why women are of lesser rank in the society, yet they play an important role in the man‘s life.
To begin, Rousseau describes the constant physiological needs that women have during and after the pregnancy. Next, he insists that women have qualities, such as caring and kindness, that are needed in raising a child. Additionally, Rousseau believes that a man love his children through the woman.
(I will put my emotions aside and will simply invalidate his argument)
Rousseau’s arguments are not valid. First, he argues that the inequality is not a “man-made” structure but it is in the nature. Most importantly, when referring to the nature he uses the pronoun “he.” Rousseau appeals to the authority of the highest power who’s laws cannot be disobeyed. However, the statement becomes invalid, for he uses a fallacy of false authority. Additionally, the idea of Nature or God is subjective and cannot be neither dogmatic nor proven. Consequently, the rest of his argument becomes invalid, for he uses the model verb “ought to” several times when referring to the female duties in life. IF there are such laws for women to obey, their origin shall not be an abstract idea. He has no verifiable source for his evidence, therefore no evidence at all. As a result, his argument is invalid.
The role of Native American women differed from group to group. However, their similarities where the economic importance in the community. Indigenous women participated in the essentials of life, such as fishing, curing the meat, dressing the skin, and exchanged fur for other goods. Additionally, they had the liberty of leaving their husbands if they weren‘t happy. Native American men practiced polygamy which was approved by their women. After the invasion of the Americas, the overpopulation of England forced many, mostly man, to settle in the ’New Land.” Besides the sexual needs, men also needed help in farms. Therefore the government arranged for many women to move to America. However, due to various factors, such as child birth and diseases, many didn’t survive. The ones who did survive, became unpaid workers or got married hoping for a better life. Indigenous, European, and later African women faced one common factor, a drastic change in their lives.
African slave traders began to abduct and sell African women to Europeans in need of workers. While crossing the ocean, these women were held on the deck of the ships, where they were susceptible to sexual attacks by the crew. In America slaves worked in the tobacco plantations. Many factors, such as the prohibition of marriage, malnutrition, and excessive labor, led to low birthrate among the slaves. Women who had children were usually a single parent, mostly because either the fathers or themselves were sold. The slaves from West Africa were accustomed for the woman and the child to live apart from her husband, with her parents. Nevertheless, in America female slaves didn’t have their families. Eventually, masters started to provide better nutrition for their slaves to have more children for their own profit. Years of slavery strongly influenced the lives of both white and black women.
While the fundamental structure of life had some similarities, there was a major difference in the quality of life between the European and the colonists woman. This difference was significantly evident when comparing the first generation of women who arrived to America. Beside the fact that America was a new land for the colonist and didn’t have established laws, the first generation of men who migrated to America were, mostly, socially misfit in Europe. Therefore, women who arrived were practically treated as slaves. They provided free labor for the men or got married and worked for their husbands. Whereas, for women in Europe life remained unchanged.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Blog # 1
I’m an outgoing, fun, positive, and a solution-oriented person. However, these few words do not describe or define who I am because there is so much more of me in so many different aspects of life. One of my goals in life is to complete my education and get a Master’s Degree in Mathematics/ Physics. When I first started college, it was difficult for me to manage my schedule as I was working full time. I am very even tempered, thus if conflict occurs, I don’t react with my emotions. I don’t do well when things are too easy. Typically, I rise up to the occasion when I’m facing difficult challenges in life. My weaknesses are mostly related to my personal life. I try not to carry them to work or school. I have a dog, Rocky, who is 140 pounds. Not long ago, on a windy day, upon arriving home from work, I noticed our backyard door was open. Rocky was gone. Instead of sitting and crying, I logically analyzed the situation. While he is very friendly and docile, Rocky is also a very scary looking dog. Therefore, I thought somebody may have called the animal control. So I started to drive around the neighborhood looking for an animal control truck. Finally, I saw one and stopped it. The driver said he was going to pick up my dog from a neighbor’s house 3 blocks down the street. And so I found him. Last semester I took a speech class, where all the students were required to give a 3-5 minute speech all in one day. In all, there were 28 students in the class who had to listen to each other for more then 2 hours. At some point the audience was zoning out. However, because I was an active listener, I was able to keep my audience focused when presenting my speech. By mentioning their names and some of the highlights of my classmates’ speeches I was able to connect and identify with my audience. To keep up with my busy schedule, I write a daily “to do” list on a calendar and post it on the refrigerator.
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