One In Thirty

By: Chicago

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How can they not know what the suffrage movement was? How can so many people be so ignorant as to what one of the most important advancements for women ever was? Minorities took strength from the fact that women could gain their rights. Men saw how strong those they thought were weak could be and helped. Then when the goal was reached, women were once again placed on the back burner.

Out of so many, how is it I was the only one who knew that suffrage was the fight for the right to vote? When women were finally able to have a say, however small it was, in their government. That is a privilege we now take for granted I guess. How can we not rejoice in the fact that we have voices? That no one can keep us down if we join together and fight for what we believe is right.

The Civil Rights Movement proved that same point and the people who benefited most from it know that, and remember it, and cherish it. So how is it that we have forgotten the movement that proved that it could be done?

Out of a class of nearly 30, I was the only one who raised her hand. Out of a class of 30, I was the only one who proudly declared that in 1920, women gained the right to vote. I was the only one who knew that the 19th amendment gave those with the 'XX' chromosomes that sacred privilege of helping to chose the laws that are enforced by and for us each and every day.

It is a sad day indeed when the past is forgotten. Some would say that it doesn't matter where our rights come from, but I don't agree. There is nothing stopping anyone from stripping us of our rights and reducing women to the same status that they has more than 80 years ago.

Out of a class of nearly 30, 1 person knew that the ERA was a dream, not a reality. Out of a class or nearly 30, 1 person knew what women went through during the suffrage movement. Out of a class of nearly 30, 1 women has not forgotten her history, and she never will.

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A.N. As if you couldn't tell, this is a topic that is very near and dear to me. I was appalled when I made this observation during my history class. I could've killed something. or someone, or many someone's. I'd really like to hear what y'all think... Hasta!

~Chicago