In a famous correspondence with her husband, John Adams, Abigail Adams demands that the Constitutional Convention "Remember(s) the ladies... do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could If perticular cartwe and attention is not paid to the ladies we ar edetemined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation."
Her comments reflect a radical feminist position - that all men AND women are created equal - and that equality should be established by the US Constitution or women simply would not support it. Sadly, women's suffrage would not be guaranteed by law until 1920, when the 19th Amendment was passed. Certainly, women's equality and poltiical representation remains a challenge in modern society. At the same time, the US remains ahead of most modern nations in asserting gender equality.
This all raises an interesting questions that will frame your blog reflections this week- should women's rights be a priority in newly emerging democracies? Should the Declaration of Independence have promoted equal rights for American women?
Directions:
Read the text of the following article and speech outlining President Bushs' views on women's rights in Iraq and other developing democracies:
http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=March&x=20060307142624eaifas0.3840906
Then, read some background information on the Daughters of Liberty, a women's organization that promoted equal rights during the American Revolution at :
http://www.nps.gov/archive/fopo/exhibits/women/women2.htm
For additional information and access to primary sources on the American Revolution and the colinial women's movement, check out the Daughter's of the American Revolution Museum online at:
http://www.dar.org/
Reflect on the questions above and the blog responses of at least one other classmate - 200 word minimum. Due by 7 am on Friday, 10/26.
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23 comments:
i agree
i'll put more
Samantha Goon
Block A
October 25, 2007
In my opinion, I agree with Abigail Adams; all men and women are created equal. Women's rights should be a priority in newly emerging democracies and the Declaration of Independence should have promoted equal rights for American women. Women have always been treated under the power of men. It's not right or fair that men have more power and dominate. President Bush agrees also that women should have a 25 percent voice in legislative politics. In the Daughters of Liberty article about women who promoted equal rights during the American Revolution, shared many interesting reasons why women should have a voice in politics. One woman saved George Washington's life from being poisoned. Phoebe Fraunces, George Washington's black servant overheard Tory's poisoning Washington's food with peas. So Phoebe took the peas and threw it out the window and gave them to the chickens. If it wasn't for Phoebe, our first president could of been dead. Women are just as important, intelligent, and equal as men. Women should of been part of the Declaration of Independence because they were part of the Revolution too. They suffered with the Patriot men too. The men fought, but the women took care of children, cooked, cleaned, worked, etc. Some women even fought in the Revolutionary War. Even today, women are rising in politics. Hilary Clinton is running for president and she has a high percentage of votes. Just because women aren't physically stronger than men, women still have an opinion and voiced as to what changes are made. Women are just as equal as men.
Gerald C Lara
Block a
October 25, 2007
The emerging nations of today, should have women's rights as a major priority to their devloping nations. as the declararation on independence and it's 19th amendment, women deserve equality to men. As president Bush says, a firm conviction in our beliefs that all people are created equal.There are very few countries such as, iran,North korea,and Burma that Bush adresses are in dire need of political upgrade for equal. Though they are in need for political rights, but also for basic rights. These priorities are needed so the countries may build a strong community within themselves as they become open to all the other nations of the world.the declaration of independence should of included womens rights immediately to have a strong base for the country to start off with. women may do as much things as men and should be given the same right as men to have a powerful, and peaceful future.
Kristina Sanzone*
A Block
October 25, 2007
That Abigail Adams chick was one smart cookie! I like the way she thinks. From the beginning of time to modern day life, women should have always been treated with the exact same respect and given the same opportunities as men. However, we were not at all! Rather then way-back-when, today women are becoming more and more powerful with each passing day. While many people still do not respect someone of any gender the same way, plenty of progress has helped up to grow. To be perfectly honest, while I was reading the article “Bush Says Women's Empowerment Strengthens Emerging Democracies” from www.uninfo.state.gov, I wasn’t completely buying the whole thing. The first line of the article reads, “President Bush pledged that the United States will ‘help women stand up for their freedom no matter where they live,’ saying the full and equal participation of women in civic and political life has strengthened democracies around the world”. While maybe as a whole, our country has most certainly improved in this struggle for equality, perhaps Bush is not truly the one who should be speaking. He has too much going against him right now and should not be jumping into this heated debate. However, since this is the topic of conversation, women's rights should be a priority in newly emerging democracies, so that when they begin to spread and bloom into more powerful places, they will be headed in the right direction towards equality of mankind. Also, the Declaration of Independence should definitely have promoted equal rights for American women. Since it said that all men were equal it shows that women, in that time, really didn’t mean much more than the wife and mother. While house wife is no longer the ideal image of a woman in America today, if perhaps the Declaration of Independence had stated the fact that women should also be equal to men then we may not be having this problem today.
In my opinion, if you believe in equal rights for everyone than yes womens rights should have been giving in the declaration of independence. I believe that womens rights shopuls be a priority in emerging democracies. It took the U.S. a hundred and fifty years to give women equal rights in the 1920's. Emerging democracies should learn from history that equal rights are for everyone women, men, color or creed.
Karmila Saulong
Block A
October 25, 2007
Women’s suffrage is a huge part of American History. I agree with Abigail Williams feministic view. There should be equality among the men and women which in 1920, a law was passed about Women’s suffrage and the 19th amendment. Also, the idea of equality being established in the US Constitution or else women would not support it. Women’s rights should be a priority in the new emerging democracies. Even in this time era, people claim that women are treated equally but many women in the business world many women feel that they aren’t treated equally among their men co-workers. Now the issue of women becoming equal in a distant country in Iraq has been booming. Women issues should be resolved because they do play a huge role in supporting their government. Women in Iraq or in developing countries could be politically involved but society seems to hold them back. If laws were made in developing countries that allow women opportunities to vote or even become involved in politics show equality. The equality of women should be mentioned in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution because women have the same rights as the men who went through the American Revolution. Many women have contributed to the revolution but many have not been recognized. They have suffered just like men with witnessing the violence and even volunteering to help us during a crisis. Women have just the same amount of rights and can have the same opportunities as men.
Ello' kids,
In other countries in the world women are still struggling with basic rights. Honestly, women are no less than men; in society we are all equal human beings who deserve the same rights as each other. In a previous project of mine, I said Susan B. Anthony deserved her own holiday because created the 19th amendment regarding women's rights to vote in 1920. By attending conventions, making campaigns, giving speeches, appearing at a court trial, establishing organizations, and demanding equality, Anthony accomplished the dream she’s been fighting for over 60 years, Woman’s Rights. Another woman in the American Revolution that set rights to America was Deborah Samson. Samson disguised her self as a man to fight during the war. This made other women realize they can be more that just the typical "stay at home, take care of the children, and clean the house" mother, women can actually make a difference and help the world. The Women’s Empowerment Strengthens Emerging Democracies is an article where President Bush addresses that women should have equal rights and they can help a society. "There's no doubt in my mind, empowering women in new democracies will make those democracies better countries and help lay the foundation of peace for generations to come,” Bush stated while talking to delegates from Afghanistan. Women's rights should be a priority in newly emerging democracies and the Declaration of Independence should have promoted equal rights for American women.
Till next week,
Kristina Cats!
Janell McBean
A-Block
Women's rights should be a priority in newly emerging democracies, in my opinion. There should be no reason for women's rights to not be a priority in newly emerging democracies and other related events. Overall, it is said how a greater share of the human population lives under democratic rule today than at any time in human history. At the same time, many of the world’s democracies are young or fragile. Also, it is said how women's empowerment is strengthening emerging democracies. Our president, George W. Bush even announced that there is no doubt in his mind that, "empowering women in new democracies will make those democracies better countries and help lay the foundation of peace for generations to come." What he said, i highly agree on him with. Anything men can do women can do also. Personally, I think woman can do it better! The Declaration of Independence should have promoted equal rights for American women because they should have realized before hand that women are just as successful as men are. While men were out fighting wars, women were inside taking care of the children, cooking and cleaning. That is not quite the case today. Women are able to do three times as much as they couldnt do before. The rights towards women are evening out so much. It's actually very relieving to know that society gives everyone a chance, not depending on their gender. It is very true that women's rights are developing democracies. Again, anything men can do, women can do also. Woman just do it better!
Karmila Saulong
I agree with the Kristina's statement about how women are becoming powerful each day. Like what Samantha pointed out about Hillary Clinton, women are risking new things because of opportunities that they are given. Mrs. Clinton is running for president, women wouldn't have the chance to do that if equality among both men and women weren't adressed.
Should the Declaration of Independence have promoted equal rights for American women?
Ama Kwakye
Block A
The Declaration of Independence hasn’t promoted women’s equality. Women have always been looked at as lower then men. I believe all women and men should be treated the same . Ever since the 1st century women have always been looked at as lower people then men. All over the world segregation still is going on, from skin color, to orientation to sex and more. And the same thing regarding to skin color, certain groups think they are better than others. People in our society should stop trying to compete and just work together and we can accomplish a lot. Men think they know everything sometimes but it’s not always true. "Because on average a man's body and head is bigger than woman's, many might believe that men are more intelligent than women said COPYRIGHT 2000 Johnson Publishing Co..American society thinks men are superior. It gets to me when I’m in class with my classmates and a teacher comes in and says can I get "3 biys to help me carry boxes" I hate it! Women are also strong, not all men are strong. Men in our society are overlooked as good people just like in the declaration of Independence, it primarily promoted things for men. Women should have the same equal opportunists as men in political and social aspects of society.
I agree with what all the girls said because we are in the same postion. DOnt you hate the fact that men think there better than us. DOnt worry because they really arent!!!!!
In my opinion womens rights have been tossed around for many years so to see many different women form together to make a difference its really good. In today's society women have come a long way from just being the average house wife to becoming independent women. Its also very interesting that president bush wants to give more power to the women because in his speech he said that he wants women to have 25 percent of the vote in america and that's a big step. In the Liberty article it talked about women who have tried to share equal rights for women during the Revolution. In the future there should be no seperation from women and men because in the declaration it was said that everyone had free rights and I believe we should ablige by them.
In my opinion, if you believe in equal rights for everyone than of course, as Derek said women’s rights should be included in any decisions that were made; free rights for all are free rights for all. If that is what you are fighting for then every single person in the colonies as well as on plantations and in tribes up and down the east coast should have been included. Especially in the writing the Declaration of Independence. In newly founded governments the first thing that happens should not be gender separation. As for fighting for the right to live in the country if it is everyone’s right to live here then anyone who wants to should be allowed to fight for that right, no matter what frontier it takes them to, I firmly believe that the rights to independence should not be left only to the men, and women’s rights though rarely thought of should have been considered in the construction of this “people’s nation” for women are people to. How come women had the right to support the men supporting the country, but could not support the country themselves? And if I was a woman in the American Revolution I would have only loved to be considered as someone who would be affected by the outcome of the war.
Saman Mahmood
Block-A
October 25, 2007
Thought American history, women have been fighting for there right since the day the pilgrims� were here. Abigail Adams was one that I admire, because she was a woman that was respected because of her husband. Also she cared for other women that were being miss treated by there husbands. John Adams and Abigail had a very good and understand relationship people said. In my opinion, women should have always been equal to men, like what made men think that they were better then women. In many developing nations today, women are still fighting to vote, and have to have there voices heard in there governments. The main problems in developing counties are there is much money, and there economies are not doing that great. There aren�t enough jobs for men, so you know there aren�t many jobs for women.
In many developing counties young girls are sold into human tracking, everyday. These girls become sex slaves, and many end up get HIV/aids, from unprotected sex. On march7 the white house invited women from all over the world, to celebrate, women rights day. �And I Believe that women everywhere share the same dream, to be educated, to live in peace, to be Prosperous and to be heard� quotes by first lady Barbra Bush. I l-o-v-e this quote! I believe this is what women have been fighting, though history. And that at least in most developed nations that already something we have been working on. My message to women everywhere: NEVER GIVE UP, BECAUES SOME DAY YOUR VOICE WILL BE HERAD BY ALL!
Michela Infantino
LATE POST!
Should women's rights be a priority in newly emerging democracies? Should the Declaration of Independence have promoted equal rights for American women?
The Constitution along with the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendment) are some of the most enlightened pieces of our nation. John Adams, the second president of the United States and a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses led the movement for independence along with help from his wife, Abigail Adams. Abigail demanded, "Remember(s) the ladies... do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could If particular cart we and attention is not paid to the ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation." Abigail Adams was reflected as a radical feminist. Although the Declaration of Independence states, “All men are created equal,” it wasn’t till 1920, 133 years later that women actually gained independence. The 19th amendment of The Constitution guarantees women’s right to vote after much matching, lobbing, lectures and petitions were passed around, for generations. Coming into play as of present day 2007, women’s rights should be priority in newly emerging democracies. This year, Hillary Clinton, will be running for a chance at becoming the 44th President of the United States along with making United States history in being the first women to become president. Her campaign shows interest in strengthening the middle class, providing affordable and accessible health care, ending the war in Iraq, energy independence and fighting global warming, fulfilling promises to veterans, supporting parents and caring for children, restoring America’s standing in the world, establishing a champion for women, comprehending the government reform and strengthening our democracy. There is also shown to be an inequality in the sports we actively play today, example, have you ever seen a women in the NBA or in the MLB, women are just as capable at playing sports as men are, so why not make teams coed? The Declaration of Independence should have prompted equal rights for American women along with American men. The Daughters of Liberty proved why women should have voices in our nation. Yet, we still didn’t gain independence until 133 years later. I agree with Gerry Lara’s point, “Women may do as much things as men and should be given the same right as men to have a powerful and peaceful future." No woman out there should be let down just because she's a women!
Mariel Elia Yooo !
I agree with all the people that think women are and was degraded by men. Women can do things as good as men would but having one in the office wouldn’t be a problem with me. Women should be treated equally and i believe that is stated in the 19th amendment? Men have been in charge for a very long time now abusing their power. No one ever made a change to introduce the society to a women’s mind. Most men think that we are really big hearted and will take things too lightly but they haven’t met the women that are holding our government together. I think those women should stand out more , like Hillary Clinton.
Melissa Laurore
A Block
Should the Declaration of Independence have promoted equal rights for American women?
Every emerging nation needs to incorporate women’s equality in their government. Women like Abigail Williams said are equal to men. in Bush's speech he states that equality is important , there are still many countries that need the same equality that we have. many countries need to make equality for women a basis for their life. Men and women equal in many ways. Women were part of the wars just as much as the men were . The men fought on the battle field, while women fought to help keep aid to all the wounded men. in today's society, women are now part of the war , every day. the fight along side the men. the rights of women are growing everyday.The Declaration of Independence doesn’t help promote women’s equality. it seems through history women have never been given the equality they deserve. women now are given much more rights than they were many centuries ago. Gender now isn't a major issue when going to get a job or anything else, that used to be a problem for women.
In the issue of women’s rights, I agree with Abigail Adams, I think every woman should be treated equal to men. What makes a man different? We are all people; the only difference is our physical features. In "Daughters of Liberty" it is brought to our attention that women were not taken seriously, they were not treated as men were. In my personal opinion, if the women wanted to be treated equal to men, they should have fought about it. If they want the power and the position to be an equal individual, the power to prove them, they should fight for what they believe in. If you ask me, they probably would have gotten laughed at and made fun of by men. The men would probably try to bring the women down so that they would give up. But, if the women are strong and care as much as they say they do, they wouldn’t pay mind to the men, they would fight for what they believe. In the past women weren’t taken seriously, but now in our time, women are taken seriously, what they say and what they do does infect matter. Whether they are right or wrong, they make a difference. Now-a-days women are treated equal to men, Hilary Clinton can do a man’s job, and she is running for president. Being president is something a woman has never done, she is a perfect example of women’s rights, and she’s fighting for what she believes and doing a pretty good job at it.
Matthew bowlin
The rising nations of today, should have women's rights as a major priority to their budding nations. Seeing as the Declaration of Independence and the 19th amendment, women deserve the same exact rights as men. As president Bush says, “a firm conviction in our beliefs that all people are created equal” .There are very few countries such as, Iran, North Korea, and Burma that Bush addresses that are in desperate need of political upgrade for equally rights for not only women but minorities as well. Though these rights are necessary there is also a strong need for human rights, and until these rights are obtained equality for women will never be reached. These priorities are needed so the countries may build a strong base for economic and political growth.
DK - there's not enough here for me to merit credit.
Goon - G+ ; clearly you understand the historical concepts and conditions that inspired this question.
Gerald - G - this is solid work but unless you post the first full comment, you must remark on one other post.
Kristina- G : I agree that Ms. Adams was a smart cookie! Your post was cricial and informed. be sure to comment on at least one other post.
Emily - N+ : Thoughtful but short and lacks a response to another post.
Derek - N: too short and lacking a response to one of your peers.
Karmilla - E: well done; interesting connection to class.
Kristina C - E-: thoughtful and informed!
In my opinion, the rights of women is no longer an argument. In todays society, women have just as much power as men. I agree to Abagail Adams' statement about all men and women being created equal and women should have the same rights as men. The main thing I don't like Hilary Clinton is not because she talks of womens rights, but she seems to be making her whole entire campaign based on womens rights. She is constantly talking about womens rights and all other minimal problems in our society today. Not saying that womens rights aren't important, but it is not the main concern a candidate should be most focused on. She rarely talks about subjects other than womens rights. Another point i have to make is that men and women are DIFFERENT. statistics prove that women have some advantages and disadvantages as well as men. these weak points are what set us different from one another. Although this may seem sexist or whatever you want to call it, a majority of women in America are emotional and easily defeated. don't get me wrong, if Hilary Clinton decides to talk about other issues then maybe she would make a good president but until then, talking about womens rights wont cut it. As Gerald C Lara pointed out, certain countries undermine women totally. at least in America, women share basically the same benefits as men. Yes they may be subjected to discrimination and sexism, but who is to say that no one else experiences this. Immigrants that move to this country often go through the same treatment, and sometimes even worse. It may seem harsh to judge someone based on their sex but what about those who are judged based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
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