My Project: link here
To begin, a few of the most significant themes I discovered through researching my essential question, and through reading my choice novel were the power women encompass when coming together as one, the unique impact that literature brings to women across the globe, and the improvements that have been made regarding women’s rights in society over the course of time.
As far as the power women bring in all areas, including motherhood, the workforce, the passage of knowledge, and their contributions to literature, I felt as though my sources “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou and “We as Women” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman most successfully highlighted these feminine strengths. To expand, in her novel, Angelou elaborates upon her upbringing in the impoverished, desolate town of Stamps, Arkansas. She explains that despite becoming a mother early in her life, this did not stop her from exhibiting her own individual expression and not complying with societal norms at the time, as a woman’s appearance was strongly influenced by a man’s preferences. This is a lesson she learned from her own mother, who eloquently shared her experiences with Angelou, and instilled in her the belief that a woman’s power lies in her individuality and ability to share knowledge in whichever areas she chooses.
In addition, the poem “We as Women,” written in 1911, shares an early perspective of one who believes in the equality and fairness all women deserve. Gilman shares with readers that while women may oftentimes appear to be petite and powerless, the opposite is true in regards to their contributions to society. This is something I have learned from my own mother, especially in the realm of writing and literature, as she has shown me that women can make a profound impact within this area of the workforce. As a fellow English major, it is my goal to write pieces that are captivating and inspiring, while showing that a woman, no matter her stature, can achieve whatever she sets her mind to.
To continue, I believe it is both intriguing and thought provoking to take a look back on how society’s perception of a woman’s rights and privileges has evolved over time. This theme can be seen through one of my sources, a propaganda postcard issued by a male worker’s union, entitled “A Woman’s Place is in her Home,” as well as the women’s postcard in response to this degrading message. Due to the fact that the postcards were issued circa 1909-1913, it is understandable that these attitudes towards women were still commonplace at the time. However, the women’s collective statement that they may someday “be a man’s leader” ultimately proved to be true, starting with them gaining the right to vote in 1920. Today, there are many women in leadership positions, with one of the most notable being the vice president of our country, a feat that was accomplished exactly 100 years after the suffrage movement achieved its largest goal. Furthermore, I have been taught this message as well, by my mother and grandmother, as they have both had successful careers either managing an international sales team, or working as an equal with many male editors across the country. This has instilled in me the belief that any career or achievement is possible, as I have seen it firsthand, and want to set this same example for others one day. Finally, without the outstanding messages of the women who wrote or created the sources I used within this project, none of these revolutionary, and necessary changes would have ever been possible.
In essence, while men may try to disparage the accomplishments of women through numerous decades and even centuries, when coming together, there is absolutely no limit to what we all can achieve. Although stereotypes of women being inferior or even powerless may continue to some degree, I will choose to disregard them and strive towards any goal, with the support of the strong women surrounding me. As a result, I would encourage all future seniors to select a research area in which you have a personal connection, or one you feel truly passionate about. Finally, within this project, there is so much knowledge to learn and discover about any topic of choice, making it one of my favorites from this year in regards to my new personal perspective, and the extraordinary contributions I know every woman will continue to have within our society.
– Kelsey 🙂
Hey Kelsey,
This was a very interesting read! I enjoyed how you looked at the historical progression of women’s social status in society, and analyzed how differing attitudes and norms of the time coincided with women’s pushes for greater standing in society. Because of this, your project gave great context and background information explaining where these various challenges women endure began. As well, your analyses of literature’s impact on women gaining power was very intriguing. Whether it be through postcards, speeches, or other media and literature, you showed thoroughly how your various sources all contributed to the voice of women gaining greater influence over time. Great post!
Heyy Kesley!
I loved loved loved how you structured your final project. As you know, I also read this book so I was super excited to see how your final project turned out. Since we kinda did the same topic, I agree with you that picking a topic that resonates with you makes it a great learning experience. My perspective shifted a lot throughout my research, and especially because it was something that related to me. Great job!
Hi Kelsey! Your blog post is really intriguing, thank you for sharing! Your historical take on woman’s role in society definitely shows how much growth and change has occurred over the years. “We as Women” put it well. Women’s impact on society flies over many people’s heads and it takes much more effort for it to be recognized. You had so much insightful and deep research to share and I learned a lot from it! Your slides also were great to look at. Good luck with everything next year and hope you end senior year off strong!
Hey Kelsey,
I liked the topic you chose, about history and the timeline. All your analyses were super detailed as well, which really strengthened your presentation. I think it’s unfortunate how this debate, so to speak, is still happening to this day, where equality is still not accepted by many. Still, it’s amazing to see the progression and growth over time, which gives me hope that it can be resolved in the near future. Good luck in the future!
Hi Kelsey,
I agree that women now are comparatively more privileged than what rights were allowed them centuries, or even decades, back. It is unfortunate that the struggle is more prevalent in other areas of the world, although it cannot be expected that the world would be like-minded on even one topic. Your relationship with your mother seems to be very inspiring, it is a good demonstration of how women can mitigate limitations placed against them by passing down lessons they have learned themselves to help following generations. It can be very difficult to pick a major or area of interest going into college, but one that inspires passion is certainly preferable.
Hey Kelsey,
I definetly agree that there’s been some well educated women in power that have done great things for their respective countries. I think the best example of that is Margaret Thatcher from the Labour party in GB. There’s a movie on her life called “The Iron Lady” which you should check out if you have the time.
Hi Kelsey,
I really enjoyed reading your blog and found it very interesting. I found it interesting to see how you connected so many different sources to the evolving dynamics of women’s suffrage, especially in your website. I found it particularly interesting because I took a similar approach to my own project, looking at different events/literature throughout history. I loved the diversity in not only your sources, but also in the way you explored how many different aspects of society have been touched or affected.
Hey Kelsey! I had also talked about women power and their voices in the world. I really enjoyed your project and I absolutely loved how you structured it. Through your historical take on women it shows how over time they really became from nothing to something now and have a voice out there. Although nothing will be fully equal for women and still is not today at least we have come so far from where we started. I also think your detailing and analysis is done very well and I really enjoyed your project!