Like a Girl

          Recently in class, we learned about the Women's reform. We looked at pictures, articles and watched videos that showed examples of the women's reform. We learned about the way women were treated and the initiatives they took to change it. We had to answer the question "How did mid­19th century American society react to women's demands for equality? Does 21st century society still react  differently to men and women?"
          In the mid- 19th century, women were treated very unfairly. The Sphere of Women picture illustrates the tight standard women had to fit into. They should be able to manage house where everyone gets along, relaxing and clam environment. They are expected to be in charge of children's education. They make and maintain children's clothing. They are in charge of entertainment. Their work is supposed to be hidden, she is supposed to make it look easy. The women hated the way they were perceived and set out to change it. They wrote the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions in Seneca Falls in 1848. Many news papers wrote in response to these resolutions. Many of them were not in favor of the Seneca Falls convention. They wrote " Women are out of their latitude", National reformer August 31,1848. They also stated that the attempt to gain rights for women was " a paradox on the Declaration of American rights." Mechanics Advocate. However there were a few news papers that agreed with the change in women's rights. The national reformer regarded the convention as " one [a convention] whose influence shall not cease until woman are granted the rights now enjoyed by the other half of creation." National Reformer August 3, 1848. Although there were many conflicting views, it ended up working out well for women.
          Now, in the 21st century, women have the same rights as men and are considered an equal to men, from a law point of view. Sadly, in society, women are still viewed as less than a man. In a Pantene commercial we watched in class, showed women and men in the same scenarios but the different ways people view them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K2kfgW7708&feature=youtu.be Also, this past weekend, there was a commercial during the Superbowl that also shows the way women are perceived in our society. The way people think " like a girl" means isn't the true meaning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs . People should be smart enough bib now to realize women and men can both achieve great things, and there is no need to put one gender higher than another. The term "like a girl" shouldn't be used in a rude or demeaning way again. Women and men should be perceived the same because we can all do the same things. When society begins to think this way, the world will be a better place.