Short Response for Readings on 1/27

Tuesday's class on the second wave of feminism was a great introduction to the history of women's rights. The readings on the first wave of feminism,though, reveal a whole new dimension of the feminist movement. Echoing the sentiments of Dubois and Stanton, I believe women should be respected, not only for who they are but also for what they can do, therefore they shall be seen with the eyes of equality. Obviously, this is always easier said than done. As Dubois stated, ¨the oppression of women was not a top priority for anyone but women themselves.¨ For this reason, I find the first movement of feminism fascinating because it shows how women were finally realizing how little they could depend on men and how much they could accomplish as a united group of powerful individuals with a common goal. However, this is not to say the I completely agree with all that was said or done. For instance, the ¨Declaration of Sentiments¨ strongly asserts the many ways in which men have lessen the rights of women while it confirms how the latter should enjoy equal rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Although the document is eye-opening and each statement is voiced as a rightful demand, the fact that it mirrors the Declaration of Independence (a patriarchal document) zaps some of its power away, don't you think? I wonder why these women, who were decisive in fighting for their rights, allowed themselves to write such a powerful declaration following a a blueprint previously established by a group of men.On this respect, I guess this makes me a little more like de Beauvoir, who wishes to work outside the system rather than within it.