Level The Playing Field

In mid-nineteenth century America, women were oppressed.  Society created an image for all women; they were to stay at home in the shadows.  In the Sphere of Women, shown below, a woman is holding a child while looking on to make sure that her other children are learning.  In this image, the house is depicted as thoroughly clean without any objects or rooms that reflect the actual work the mother has to put into caring for her family.  This image demonstrates how women were expected to do all of the housework, without recognition.  The Rights of Women: Laws and Practices lists all of the laws and practices that restricted  women during this time period.  Many laws state the difficulties women had to overcome with when trying to divorce their husbands.  One law states, “Most courts grant custody of the children to men.  Alimony is sometimes awarded to women, but they are not allowed to sue in court to make him pay up.”  Even though women cared for the children, men gained custody which demonstrates extreme hypocrisy.  Another law that is mentioned that shows how society belittles women is, “In most states, it is legal for a man to beat his wife.”  Another practice that was stated was that, “It is considered improper for women to speak in public.”  In response to this oppression, women became involved in the Seneca Falls Convention, which resulted in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.  This declaration stated all of the oppressive laws men had placed on women and how they should be resolved.  The responses to this Declaration were both negative and positive.  In the Oneida Whig article, August 1, 1848, it is stated, “If our ladies will insist on voting and legislating, where, gentlemen, will be our dinners and our elbows?”  This negative comment demonstrates how men saw women as less than them and therefore less equal to them.  Although some harbored negative responses to this declaration, others praised it.  For example, in the North Reformer article, August 3, 1848, it is declared that the Seneca Falls convention and declaration was “the first convention of any kind ever held, and one whose influence shall not ease until woman is guarantied all the rights now enjoyed by the other half of creation.”  Mid-nineteenth century society reacted in different ways to women’s demands for equality.  Some took a selfish standpoint and only thought of what would happen if women gained more rights; still viewing themselves as having a lesser social standing.  While others recognized the logic in women outcry for equality and acknowledged that women will not stop until they achieve their goal of gender equality.

This is an image of the Sphere of Women.

Presently, in the twenty-first century, I believe that society still reacts differently to men and women.  It has improved infinitely since the mid-nineteenth century, but I think there is still room for considerable improvement.  Men are still seen as the smarter and prominent leaders.  Boys dominate higher level math and science classes in school and there has yet to be a woman president.  Men are also paid more money than women, even when they have the exact same occupations and experience levels.  Men are given more opportunities than women.  There is no equivalent term for “slut” for a man; it seems that society only wants this hateful word to be used against women.  In the Philippines Pantene commercial, one can see how society views men and women as they take on the exact same position, but are labeled as completely different people.  Our society has made significant strides in reaching gender equality in the past centuries and should continue making improvements until men and women are seen as equals and real gender equality is achieved.