Final Exam Readings #4: Women's Rights Movement and Civil Rights Movement

For Prof. Garmon's AMST 100 Final. Readings about the Women's Rights Movement and the Civil Rights Movement.

“Declaration of Rights and Sentiments”

Elizabeth Cady Staunton, 1848. Modeled after the Delcaration of Independence, the women of the Seneca Falls Convention created a list of grievances that women of that time faced. Called for opportunities and suffrage for women, saying these rights were ethically and morally necessary.

“NOW Statement of Purpose 1966”

Betty Friedan and Pauli Murray, 1966. The purpose of NOW is to advocate for equal rights for women and challenge sex-based discrimination. Wanted to eliminate existing gender role norms and workplace discrimination. They pushed for laws to codify women’s rights, and advocated for women’s control over reproductive rights. They wanted to partner with men to achieve these goals because their whole purpose was equality.

“NOW Statement of Purpose 1998”

Emphasizes problems that still exist in gender inequality (economic injustice, political representation, workplace discrimination, and legal protection) and acknowledges that other problems stemming from race, class, sexual orientation, and disability are interconnected with the women’s rights movement. Importance of giving women reproductive rights and freedom and combatting violence against women. Looks at this with a global perspective.

“Letter from Birmingham Jail”

Martin Luther King Jr., April 16, 1963. Says nonviolent civil disobedience is the best course of action because it creates necessary tension that forces people to act. People have a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Criticized white moderates and churches who didn’t support the movement or do anything to help.