Today in Herstory: Suffragists Come Out in Full Force for New York Legislative Meeting on Women’s E

[niyad]

(hmmm, does that "we are only protecting the women" bs sound familiar?)


Today in Herstory: Suffragists Come Out in Full Force for New York Legislative Meeting on Women’s Enfranchisement

March 9, 1910: Clear proof of a revitalized suffrage movement was evident in Albany today at the New York State Senate and Assembly Judiciary Committees’ joint hearings on changing the State Constitution in order to enfranchise women.


Mary Garrett Hay, leader of the pro-suffrage forces in Albany today

Today’s unprecedented turnout encouraged all who support woman suffrage to believe that the goal of striking the word “male” from the Empire State’s Constitution, which grants voting tights to “every male citizen of the age of 21 years” is within reach.

The feeling of optimism was encouraged by Assembly Member Toombs, who said that there is much more support for suffrage in the Legislature this year than ever before, and a glance around the room offered ample proof that interest among the public is at a peak as well. The hearing room was so packed today that many speakers were unable to move and delivered their arguments from wherever they happened to wind up standing or sitting. Committee members had reserved seats, but were surrounded by those on both sides of the issue who had come here from all around the State. Many suffrage advocates arrived here on a special train this morning, but others have been busy lobbying for several days.
Mary Garrett Hay, leader of the pro-suffrage forces in Albany today.Mary Garrett Hay, leader of the pro-suffrage forces in Albany today.

Mary Garrett Hay was the leader of the 130 suffragists present, and Mrs. George Phillips the 115 anti-suffragists. Those in support of suffrage could easily be distinguished by big yellow “Votes for Women” buttons.

The “antis” stated their case first and in their usual manner presented themselves as protectors of women, home and society. According to Mrs. Francis M. Scott: “Were we so presumptuous as to think we could take up men’s work we should have to take it up in addition to our own, and while the Legislature might make us voters, it could not make you men mothers.” Her observation brought forth the desired laugh from all present. But then she solemnly warned:
Women, if they become voters, will succumb to the nerve-racking brain strain and it will have decidedly bad effects. The birth rate has been lowered in those countries where the restlessness of women has taken the most acute form. We whose unique responsibility is to furnish the State with citizens have a right to demand protection from these dangers which threaten to atrophy the mother instinct.

. . . .

http://feminist.org/blog/index.php/2015/03/09/today-in-herstory-suffragists-come-out-in-full-force-for-new-york-legislative-meeting-on-womens-enfranchisement/

[guillaumeb]

1. sound a lot like Phyllis Shlafly today

especially when I read about the proper role for women.

The GOP still says exactly this:
The “antis” stated their case first and in their usual manner presented themselves as protectors of women, home and society. According to Mrs. Francis M. Scott: “Were we so presumptuous as to think we could take up men’s work we should have to take it up in addition to our own, and while the Legislature might make us voters, it could not make you men mothers.” Her observation brought forth the desired laugh from all present.

But then she solemnly warned:
Women, if they become voters, will succumb to the nerve-racking brain strain and it will have decidedly bad effects. The birth rate has been lowered in those countries where the restlessness of women has taken the most acute form. We whose unique responsibility is to furnish the State with citizens have a right to demand protection from these dangers which threaten to atrophy the mother instinct.

"Brain strain" affects voters? Explains the predilection of working class white males to vote against their own interests when supporting the GOP.

. . . .

[niyad]

2. yes, your last paragraph is certainly correct.

[guillaumeb]

3. and as a white, working class male

it pains me to say it. I am a union activist and former union officer who worked for 33 years representing people as I tried, sometimes successfully, to educate people about political realities in the US.

I cannot tell you how many arguments/discussions I had with single issue white males who were convinced that Wayne LaPierre had the right idea for the country. Or in many cases their Pastor.

[niyad]

4. just as much as it pains me to see women voting against their interests by voting

for the woman-hating scum. but will not give up until after my last breath is taken.

[Panich52]

5. Men have been using the same arguments against women as equals f/ hundredsof years

Maybe a few thousand. It's because they're afraid of us.

"Once you make woman your equal, she becones your superior" - Seneca

Not only can we do just about any work they can (maybe "just about" could be deleted), they need us to spread their genes. I've wondered what men thought of childbearing before they figured out they play a part. Maybe that deep-seated wonder is so ingrained tgey just xan't shake it.

Today's misogynists do use the same arguments and women who have been brainwashed into believing it don't help. How many of them simply don't want to be bothered w/ the duties and responsibilities of independence?

[niyad]

6. your last question is an extremely important one. it references the same kimd of thinking

that makes certain religions, cults, etc., so popular--one does not need to bother to think. all answers provided.

[Panich52]

7. Yet another reason education needs to be complete, honest, & include the negatives

-- esp in history. And why conservs, particularly religionists, are trying to whitewash history. Only information can overcome 'herd mentality' and the sooner that info is provided, the easier it is for it to be effective.

[niyad]

8. and yet, as we see every day, the nutjobs are trying to do exactly the opposite--make sure there

is NO actual education, no learning, no critical thinking, going on.

after all, it is difficult to control a population that can think critically.