Feminism Essay

Jedediah Grady

Feminism Essay

Jedediah Grady

Women should not be afforded the legal protection for a minority group. The literal definition of
minority is the smaller part of something Although this is the case, when people use the word
minority in the context of people, the meaning changes. Then, a minority becomes not only the smaller
part of something, but rather those who are at a disadvantage for being the smaller part. Although
women do face discrimination, they do not face the all hardships of those who are actually considered
minorities. I am in no way saying that women do not face hardships, because it is evident that they do. I
also do think there should be more women friendly acts and programs, but when you look at the battles
that Asians, Hispanics and African Americans and other minorities face today, giving women the same
protection of a minority plus the programs they already have would be unfair.
Phyllis Schlafly was an important part of the womens civil right movement. She was the main
advocate against the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Because of her protest and leadership, the ERA
was not passed. The Equal Rights Amendment was first sent out to states on March 22, 1962 after
feminist demanded rights. 30 states ratified the ERA within 12 months. Then, after six years 5 states
ratified and 5 states rescinded. A tiny group of women who called themselves stop ERA created the
ERA forum. Schlafly of course, was the leader. Schlafly believed that if the ERA passed, then it meant
that women needed a special law to succeed. She also believes that there is nothing wrong with the
husband being the head of the house. Susan Brownmiller was somebody that wanted the ERA to be
passed because she was a feminist herself. She wrote her own book Against Our Will: Men, Women and
Rape and wanted was very liberal when it came to the issue of equal rights. The ERA was never ratified
because it fell three states short. Phyllis Schlafly almost single handedly took down a huge amendment.
Many people called her a hypocrite for going out and bashing women for wanting the same power in her
family that she herself had. Even so, Schlafly still believes that The feminist movement is not about
success for women. It is about treating women as victims and about telling women that you can't succeed
because society is unfair to you (content.time.com).

Feminism Essay

Jedediah Grady

When people talk about sexism in the world, the issue of pornography tends to come up. Many,
including myself do not agree with the idea of porn, but do not go as far to say it is hate speech.
Americanbar.org defines hate speech as speech that offends, threatens, or insults groups, based on color,
race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other traits. Some examples given
are swastikas, burning crosses, and other hurtful symbols. Many women will argue that pornography
indeed is offensive but even so, it is not hate speech, because there are a number of women who profit
and/or enjoy it porn. Also, it is not a way to keep women in their place because it is
uncommon(although it does happen) for a women to be forced to participate in. Some could argue that
society forces women to believe that their bodies determine their self worth, but nobody knows the real
reason or motivations behind what these women do. These women may have chosen to go into the porn
industry because they had to pay medical bills for a relative or maybe just wanted some cash. Thirty years
ago, women it was highly unlikely to see women making their own money, but as degrading as porn can
be, it gives women to flip the script and make money for themselves. The point is, is that pornography is
not meant to intimidate or threaten a certain group of people, but instead is just another industry that
some are offended by.
I think women have made good progress, but aren't there yet in terms of equality. Things like
sexism are just so deeply integrated into our society that its hard to ever let go of, even if you support
equality. Even sayings like you run like a girl are indeed sexist even if it is not our attempt to offend
anybody. Women are becoming more important in the business and political world. It is still rare to see a
female CEO but that doesn't stop women from giving their all. On January 2013th, 20 women sat in
senate and 78 women were sworn in to the House of Representatives (video.pbs.org). Many generations
ago, none were in these prestigious places, for it was considered impossible. Seeing it done now just
shows how far women have come.
In conclusion, even though women have come far, sexism is still very much alive. Even so, they
should not be afforded the legal protections of a minority because they are still better off than those who
are actually a minority. You can research and see the huge disadvantages of Asians, Hispanics and

Feminism Essay

Jedediah Grady

African Americans and other minorities and how hard it is for them to sustain a healthy life. Women can
choose to marry into a richer family and they already have certain programs in place. Because of all this ,
women should not be afforded the legal protections of a minority.

Works Cited
Sachs, Andrea. "Phyllis Schlafly at 84." Time. Time Inc., 7 Apr. 2009. Web. 4 May
2015.<http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1889757,00.html>.

Feminism Essay

Jedediah Grady

"Makers: Women Who Make America | Watch Online | PBS Video." Makers: Women Who Make
America | Watch Online | PBS Video. PBS. Web. 4 May 2015.
<http://video.pbs.org/program/makers-women-who-make-america/>.