Dear Editor May 1851
I have just witnessed an amazing sight at the women’s convention in Akron, Ohio yesterday, and I am writing you to share the wonderful outlook on women suffrage in the eyes of Sojourner Truth. My eyes were in disbelief when I saw a woman of color approach the podium standing at least six feet with arms that look that they belong to a man. She kept asking, “Aren’t I a woman?”She made some pretty good points, you know? Why are we treated so differently? Do we really need men to help us through puddles; are we that weak that we can’t do it on our own? Women rights and the rights of colored have been an issue always but Truth has lifted up her voice to be known that she too is a woman, and that takes guts. It is true that this could have gotten her killed, yet the cheering and clapping was powerful. And why are men superior to women? A man tries to explain this notion by telling Truth that “Christ wasn’t a man.” Her brilliant comment back to him was, “Where did your Christ come from?” She preceded telling that man had nothing to do with Christ; he came from woman and God. You should have seen his face; it was a victory for the eyes of women everywhere. At the ending of her speech, Truth made a great comparison and observation about the world as it has been at the beginning. She states that “if the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down, all alone, these together (we women in the crowd) ought to be able to turn it back and get it right side up again…” My favorite part of it is when she concluded it with, “now they are asking to do it, the men better let them.” What a great day for women, and hopefully the days are near that women like Truth can join us women in the fight for equality! It was a day of encouragement and rejoices, for we have seen the power that one woman was able to give. We now have a voice and we will stop for nothing but pure equality.
There is a possibly that all I’ve written to you, you may still not understand the feeling of pride I found in this courageous woman. After seeing her stand up there in front of all those people, and so confident asking for respect, it was amazing and just what we women needed. So I give you this to contemplate, whether you are for us or against us, we are coming strong to fight for equality. So when you lay next to your wife, think of her happiness when she has the choice of her own destiny. Your daughters could grow in a new age of equality and choices due to the truth and voice of Sojourner Truth. I write this comment to inform you of a new wave that is going to sweep the nation! Thank you for your valuable time.
Sincerely,
Ms. Butterfield
I used the same topic and speech for my blog entry as well. Sojourner Truth was pretty inspiring to get up in front of all these white people and speak out for race and gender equality. Slavery wasn’t even abolished yet (1862) and women weren’t even allowed to vote. It was only 1851! The Civil War had not even begun (1861), so I could just imagine the racial tension. For the crowd to respect her and actually agree with her was impressive. She must have had some presence! Perhaps even a talent for giving speeches. It is amusing to me that she was at a “women’s rights conference” and most of the speakers were men…talking about treating women all dainty-like. Fascinating how times have changed in such a small amount of time. If those concerns were brought up now, those people would be laughed out of the room or get dagger eyes! Haha
ReplyDeleteDespite her speech being short, it certainly packed a punch. I feel like I know more about her just from those thirty-six lines. Your take on the event was pretty neat. I liked how our “experiences” were approached differently. I can picture your “letter to the editor” published in some well-to-do magazine of the south.
I too found great pride in this woman. I though for myself, would I have had the courage that she did. I have always been taught to never allow a man to walk all over me. My parents told me that I am just as good as any man and not to be told otherwise. I should never let any man tell me that he is better than me just because he is a man. I do think that man and woman are equal. I do think that we are different but we should be treated equally. So yes I do believe that we are equal but I also believe in etiquette in today’s times. I think that men should still open a door for any lady, not because she cannot open the door on her own but because it is polite. It is out of courtesy. I don’t want to be treated special but I do. I know that it may sound hypocritical but that is how I feel. I do not need a man offering to do something for me because I cannot do it because I am a woman but because they are just trying to help and be polite. Men and Women should be treated equally.
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