Diversity Throughout History to Today

Diversity Throughout History to Today

Erika Robinson

ETH/125

August 19th, 2014

Arletha Ndoume

Diversity throughout History to Today

Throughout history, women have never really had much say or respect when it came to anything. Even though they have had many obligations and duties, whether it is at home, church, or in the community, they still had very few political and legal rights. For example, women were not allowed to make contracts, own property, and did not have the right to vote. Women had been pushed to the side and seen as dependents to their husbands rather than their equals. The women’s movement began around 1848 when two women by the name of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott decided to call the Seneca Falls Convention in New York to discuss the social, civil, and religious rights of women.  They created a declaration called the “Declaration of Sentiments” that included twelve resolutions that concerned the rights, privileges, and obligations of women. Eleven out of the twelve declarations were easily passed. This event would be the start of major changes for women and women’s rights. If you take a look at how women were viewed in the past to how they are viewed today, it would be shocking. Today, when are viewed more equally and have more equal rights compared to men. Today you see women in management roles or high paying jobs or even working in general, you will even see women running for political position such as, running for president. I think that times have changed drastically but I still do not think women are 100% equal and there is still room for change. I believe that there are still people who discriminate against women, or look at them differently because of their sex. I just think that is something that is always going to be around. Many people grew up with one view and sometimes it just may never change. But, at the same time I think that majority of women are satisfied with the changes that have happened overtime. I think that in society, the concepts or constructions of masculinity that you see in society or in the media are very stereotypical. When you think masculinity, you automatically think of a male figure and when you think of femininity you automatically think female. I think some stereotypes that come with masculinity are being strong and athletic, not caring too much about physical appearance, cutting hair short, joining the military, and being attracted to violent things such as video games or movies. Some stereotypes that come with femininity could be, liking the color pink, being fashionable, wearing make-up and dresses, and being a good cook and cleaning house. I feel that these are stereotypes because a male could easily do the same as a female and vice versa. Now, is this “typical” to society and will society accept this, probably not but I still think anything a man can do a woman can also do and anything a woman can do so can a man.

Historically, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender people have not always been accepted as equal. In fact, it wasn’t until after World War II that more advocacy groups were created that supported gay and lesbian relationships. Many groups were created to offer information and outreach to thousands through meetings and publications. In 1953, Dr. Evelyn Hooker won a grant to study men.  Dr. Hooker’s paper that she presented three years later argued that gay men were as well adjusted as heterosexual men.  “Although these groups gained support from others, it wasn’t until 1973 that the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality as an “illness” classification in its diagnostics manuals.” (Morris, PHD, 2014) Overtime, the LGBT movement became more and more known and has gained acceptance little by little. Although, there are still issues going on today, I feel that the LGBT community is continuing to grow and will gain more acceptance and respect with time. To this day, there are still people who disagree with gay marriage and believe that a marriage or even a relationship should be between a man and a woman. But, at the same time you see more and more states allowing gay marriage. I think there has been a lot of controversy concerning the LGBT community, but to me sexual orientation is a personal choice. I do not believe someone has a right to tell another person who they can and cannot be with. Despite all of the controversy and all of the issues, I feel that with time the community will continue to grow and become more accepted.