Harriman Beepat

Prof. B Murdaco

POL 166

November 19^th 2013

Assignment Due (11/19): Choose a passage from Stanton or Anthony and one from Douglass. Write out the passage and explain what the author is saying and how it relates to the themes of the lecture, and then explain why you chose this quote.

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man to assume among the people of the earth a position different from that which they have hitherto occupied, but one to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitles them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a course.

          The Declaration of Sentiments, written by Elizabeth Stanton, copied much of the language of Thomas Jefferson’s original independence declaration. This was done purposefully, with the intention of pointing out both its similarities and its supposed inclusion of all United States Citizens, whether man or woman, and their stated equality. The Sentiments declaration begins: "When, in the course of human events," a "portion of the family of man" finds it necessary to assume a new position, it must explain its course of action. It continues: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal." The document lists men's oppressions against women, which include monopolizing almost all profitable employments; keeping woman sub-ordinate in church and state; and working to destroy their confidence in their own powers. Cady’s resolutions to overcome these realities, proposed providing full information concerning laws controlling women's lives, and ending different standards for manners, and morality in men and women. Sixty-eight women and thirty-two men signed the document, which remained a force in the women's movement of the nineteenth century supporting suffrage. I chose this paragraph; because it directly refers to the fight by women for suffrage and to the Abolitionists for freedom, with both advocating Civil Disobedience to achieve their objectives. Elizabeth Cady’s was first introduced to the suffering of women when she worked in her father’s law office. This caused her to initiate the fight for women’s rights as mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. Her main issue was the suffrage of women. This she thought was essential in women achieving equality, and though initially a suffragist, she became involved in the Abolitionist movement, through the efforts of her husband and also her friend Frederick Douglass, an ardent Abolitionist.

There’s a good time coming boys, a good time coming, Wait a little longer. We may not live to see the day, But earth shall glisten in the ray Of the good time coming; Cannon balls may aid the truth, But thought’s a weapon stronger, We’ll win our battle by its aid, Wait a little longer."

Frederick Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people, he famously quoted, "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”  Douglass like Elizabeth Cady believed in Henry Thoreau’s teachings of Civil Disobedience. He was both an Abolitionists and supporter of women rights and believed in gaining freedom from slavery through non-violence. I chose the above paragraph as a fitting testament to his belief that change can be achieved through peaceful means and by negotiation.