For my American Studies class I was assigned THE SOLITUDE OF SELF by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and I was very impressed by how pertinent her ideas are still to this day.
"To throw obstacles in the way of a complete education is like putting out the eyes; to deny the rights of property is like cutting off the hands. to refuse political equality is to rob the ostracized of all self-respect;" -Elizabeth Cady Stanton
The education system is still full of inequality. Hispanic and Black Americans underperform in schools nationwide and it is a systemic problem. Access to a good education gives kids eyes to see a future out of poverty, and into the many possibilities this life has to offer. Stanton was talking here about women, and while now women earn more post-bachelor's degrees then men, these degrees feed into less paying jobs then men. We have improvements to make for women and pay, and for ALL kids in education.
"Is it, then, consistent to hold the developed women of this day within the same narrow political limits as the dame with the spinning wheel and knitting needle occupied in the past?" -Elizabeth Cady Stanton
This quote brought to mind first and foremost women's health and the fact that this is a debate occurring in 2012 by men. More women should be represented in Congress, but also men should stop feeling that they are entitled to make decisions about our bodies without consulting us first. AND, women should stand up for each other- no matter what your personal beliefs are, we should not be limited by decisions made by men.
"If, from a life-long participation in public affairs, a woman feels responsible for the laws regulating our system of education, the discipline of our jails and prisons, the sanitary condition of our private homes, public buildings and thoroughfares, an interest in commerce, finance, or foreign relations, in any or all of these questions, her solitude will at least be respectable, and she will not be driven to gossip or scandal for entertainment." -Elizabeth Cady Stanton
I love this passage. It is empowering to think of all the ways women have become a central part of the working of this world.
Speaking of Woman-Power....
I do want to say that as I continue on this path to becoming a Birth Doula, I am excited and filled with passion for all the knowledge I am gaining about the normalcy of natural childbirth and breast feeding!
I think it is important for women to be fully educated on all birth options and for other women to be respectful of those who choose do forge a different path. My cousin-in-law is now pregnant with her first child and is passionate about having a natural birth. She told me that so many women have been trying to talk her into getting an epidural. But why? When you get an epidural your contractions become weaker making labor longer (or possibly leading to pitocin) and will weaken the baby's ability to orient to the breast, possible postponing breast feeding.
I am in support of the mother choosing these options if she is fully informed. I do understand that natural birth isn't for everyone in this day and age. However, knowledge is power! Educate yourselves ladies and don't be confined to the narrow limits of societies norms!
"To throw obstacles in the way of a complete education is like putting out the eyes; to deny the rights of property is like cutting off the hands. to refuse political equality is to rob the ostracized of all self-respect;" -Elizabeth Cady Stanton
The education system is still full of inequality. Hispanic and Black Americans underperform in schools nationwide and it is a systemic problem. Access to a good education gives kids eyes to see a future out of poverty, and into the many possibilities this life has to offer. Stanton was talking here about women, and while now women earn more post-bachelor's degrees then men, these degrees feed into less paying jobs then men. We have improvements to make for women and pay, and for ALL kids in education.
"Is it, then, consistent to hold the developed women of this day within the same narrow political limits as the dame with the spinning wheel and knitting needle occupied in the past?" -Elizabeth Cady Stanton
This quote brought to mind first and foremost women's health and the fact that this is a debate occurring in 2012 by men. More women should be represented in Congress, but also men should stop feeling that they are entitled to make decisions about our bodies without consulting us first. AND, women should stand up for each other- no matter what your personal beliefs are, we should not be limited by decisions made by men.
"If, from a life-long participation in public affairs, a woman feels responsible for the laws regulating our system of education, the discipline of our jails and prisons, the sanitary condition of our private homes, public buildings and thoroughfares, an interest in commerce, finance, or foreign relations, in any or all of these questions, her solitude will at least be respectable, and she will not be driven to gossip or scandal for entertainment." -Elizabeth Cady Stanton
I love this passage. It is empowering to think of all the ways women have become a central part of the working of this world.
Speaking of Woman-Power....
I do want to say that as I continue on this path to becoming a Birth Doula, I am excited and filled with passion for all the knowledge I am gaining about the normalcy of natural childbirth and breast feeding!
I think it is important for women to be fully educated on all birth options and for other women to be respectful of those who choose do forge a different path. My cousin-in-law is now pregnant with her first child and is passionate about having a natural birth. She told me that so many women have been trying to talk her into getting an epidural. But why? When you get an epidural your contractions become weaker making labor longer (or possibly leading to pitocin) and will weaken the baby's ability to orient to the breast, possible postponing breast feeding.
I am in support of the mother choosing these options if she is fully informed. I do understand that natural birth isn't for everyone in this day and age. However, knowledge is power! Educate yourselves ladies and don't be confined to the narrow limits of societies norms!
Love this! Thanks for all your knowledge and encouragement through this process of growing a baby! I'm soooo excited!
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