Look on the bright side

To me the most meaningful discussion surrounding the presentations this week was that of feminism. Locke presented himself in a way that was a bit pretentious when he made the statement “All men are created equal” at such a tumultuous time. While Hume shocked a lot of us with his statement that women should read more history in order to contribute to men’s conversation better. It was very easy and quite tempting for me to get very angry about these statements, but as I left class I tried to remember that these were times in history where thoughts about women were different for the masses.

So in my attempt to look at the position in this situation, I decided to see this as a testament to how far the view of women has come. I applaud Locke’s bold statement which contributed to America’s history in a way he did not intend, because whatever his intentions, it did affect history in ways that are still very positive. This statement has shaped the way America has evolved and how certain minority groups, including women, have come out with their own voices and fought to include themselves in this statement.

Hume’s statement that “only a woman who was acquainted with the history of her own country, and with those of Greece and Rome, could engage in conversation which ‘can afford any entertainment to men of sense and virtue, ’” seems shocking to us women now, but this was a step in the ways of women’s rights at the time that we have to appreciate. If men like Hume wouldn’t have started us somewhere, although the step may seem small, then we would not have gotten to a point where we are now.

I’m not saying that women have it made these days. I’ve experienced sexism in my life, as I’m sure all women have. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t acknowledge our progress thus far in order to move us into more progress in the (hopefully near) future.