Response to Feminism and the Double Bind

These readings gave great insight into some of the issues that women faced during the first wave of feminism. I really liked how the “Declaration of Sentiments” used rhetoric that reflected the Declaration of Independence. This format strengthens the feminist message and really highlights the disparities between men and women’s rights. I also thought that the examples of male dominance sent a powerful message. Examples such as referring to husbands as wives’ masters, or male pursuit of interest regardless of female happiness clearly show men’s superiority.

“Feminism Old Wave and New Wave” was also very interesting. After previously reading about the beginning of the second wave of feminism, it was fascinating to read about how the first wave began. The fact that both movements developed out of movements for African American rights, says a lot about the type women dedicated to these causes. But unlike the second wave, during the first wave, at least some male abolitionists were supportive. You would think that people so dedicated to fighting for one group of people’s rights would also be fully supportive of another disenfranchised group. It just goes to show that all men thought that they were superior to women.