Calling All Suffragettes

Today, November 2nd, marks the 34th anniversary of the first presidential election where women were allowed their own vote. Lisa Wade brought this fact to my attention in the lovely blog she posted this morning. To be perfectly honest, I had absolutely no idea today was such a significant day. For me it was just any old Sunday, but from here on out November 2nd will be a day that sticks with me, because it marks the beginning of an amazing chapter in women’s history. For anyone looking brush up on their female suffrage knowledge here is a charming youtube video that does a playful job of detailing important events (thank you John Green).  

I highly suggested everyone read the image of an anti-women’s suffrage poster Wade included in her blog, because parts of it are just down right hilarious. However, for those of who do not feel inclined or do not have the time to do so, do not fret because I will highlight some of the gems. The following quotes are taken from Some Reasons Why We Oppose Votes For Women as printed in 1894 by the National Association Opposed to Women’s Suffrage:

#8- This one cracks me up because it literally states that women should not be allowed to form an identity. It’s as if they believed that a woman understanding who she was would be the ultimate downfall of society.

#11-

This one goes along with number eight. Why have your own identity when you can just live through the men around you?

And my personal favorite #10-

Or in other words “I’m sorry but I’m simply just too busy cleaning my house and popping out children to take 30 minutes out of my day and fill out a ballot”.

It is astounding to think of how far women have come in the last 34 years, and yet equally upsetting to see how little things have really changed. Below are actual quotes from actual human beings and here is the blog I found them on.

Obviously this isn’t about suffrage, but it is about women and their rights which is what is at the root of this matter. The ability to vote was just the first step in a long process of women gaining basic rights and respect. Now that we ladies are able to vote, we mustn’t forget how important it is to get out there and make ourselves heard. Give those suffragettes something to be proud about and fight for the things they were never given, like a voice against people who make ridiculous statements such as the ones above. Suffrage was a powerful, and thankfully successful, social movement that paved the way for the normalcy of female voters, which is fantastic, but it can’t stop there. Those first wavers inspired a long tradition of girl power thats gotta be continued if women can ever hope to tip over into the land of complete and utter equality.  
Have a great day everyone,
Kara