First
By this point in the class, we’ve seen several ways to achieve major change in society. Change has happened through violence (or the threat of violence), through the ballot box and legislation, through influential books/works, through non-violent/passive resistance, etc. What do you think is the most effective avenue for change? What are some instances where you see this method being effective in U.S. history?
PLEASE NOTE: When I previously posed this question, 90%+ of the class chose passive resistance without really knowing what that means. Non-violent resistance means you allow yourself to be beaten, attacked, and/or humiliated without any reaction or defense. You simply stand up (if possible) and continue your protest.
(Two posts required – 200 word minimum
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Are we living in a modern version of the Gilded Age? Be sure to consider what elements defined the Gilded Age in the late 1800s when comparing it to today.
(Two posts required – 200 word minimum first post, 100 word minimum response to classmate)
In these discussion forums, you are allowed and encouraged to use outside resources for your responses. Be sure to carefully cite your sources in Chicago format at the end of your original post.
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Read the attached documents and answer the following question:(no outside sources, it will have documents attached)
1. What was the state of politics during the Gilded Age? Be sure to cite specific examples from both readings.
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Read the attached document and answer the following question:(no outside sources, it will have documents attached)
1. What does Friedan mean by “the problem that has no name?”
2. What kinds of women seem to be excluded from Friedan’s account of the problem?
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How important is your gender to how you think about yourself, to your “identity” or self-definition, to your everyday life? Reflect on what it would be like to be a different gender in your culture.
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Choose a popular movie or television series. What messages does it convey regarding gender roles and identities? How does it reflect, reinforce, or subvert gender constructs?
Search entries or author
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1. What do you think is the most effective avenue for change? What are some instances where you see this method being effective in U.S. history?
I think the most effective avenue for change is through a combination of non-violent resistance and legislation. Non-violent resistance can be a powerful tool for raising awareness of an issue and mobilizing people to take action. It can also be used to put pressure on those in power to make changes. Legislation can be used to codify change and ensure that it is lasting.
There are many instances in U.S. history where non-violent resistance has been effective in bringing about change. The civil rights movement is a prime example. The movement used non-violent methods such as boycotts, protests, and sit-ins to challenge segregation and discrimination. These methods were successful in raising awareness of the issue and mobilizing people to take action. They also put pressure on the government to pass legislation that ended segregation and discrimination.
Another example of the effectiveness of non-violent resistance is the women’s suffrage movement. The movement used non-violent methods such as marches, protests, and hunger strikes to demand the right to vote for women. These methods were successful in raising awareness of the issue and mobilizing people to take action. They also put pressure on the government to pass the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
Of course, non-violent resistance is not always successful. It can be met with violence and repression. However, when it is successful, it can be a powerful tool for bringing about positive change.
2. Are we living in a modern version of the Gilded Age?
There are some similarities between the Gilded Age and the current era. In both eras, there was a large gap between the rich and the poor. The rich became even richer, while the poor became even poorer. There was also a lot of corruption in government.
However, there are also some important differences between the two eras. In the Gilded Age, there was a lot of economic growth. The economy was booming, and there were many new jobs. This is not the case in the current era. The economy has been stagnant for many years, and there are many people who are struggling to find jobs.
Another difference is that the Gilded Age was a time of great social change. Women were demanding the right to vote, and there was a growing movement for civil rights for African Americans. The current era is not as marked by social change. There is still a lot of discrimination, but there is not the same level of activism as there was in the Gilded Age.
Overall, I think it is fair to say that we are living in a time that is similar to the Gilded Age in some ways. However, there are also some important differences between the two eras.
3. What does Friedan mean by “the problem that has no name?”
In her book The Feminine Mystique, Betty Friedan coined the phrase “the problem that has no name” to describe the dissatisfaction that many women felt in the 1950s. These women were well-educated and had careers, but they felt like something was missing from their lives. They felt like they were not living up to their full potential.
Friedan argued that the problem that had no name was caused by the traditional role of women in society. Women were expected to be wives and mothers, and they were discouraged from pursuing careers. This led to a lot of women feeling unfulfilled and unhappy.
4. What kinds of women seem to be excluded from Friedan’s account of the problem?
Friedan’s account of the problem seems to exclude women who were not white, middle-class, and heterosexual. She does not mention the challenges that women of color, working-class women, or lesbian women faced.
It is important to remember that Friedan was writing in the 1950s, and her book was a product of its time. The feminist movement was still in its early stages, and many of the issues that we now take for granted were not yet on the radar.
However, Friedan’s book was a groundbreaking work that helped to launch the second wave of feminism. It gave voice to the dissatisfaction that many women felt, and it helped to pave the way for change.
5. How important is your gender to how you think about yourself, to your “identity” or self-definition, to your everyday life?
My gender is very important to how I think about myself and my identity. I am a woman, and I am proud of it. I believe that women are strong, capable, and intelligent. I am also aware that women face discrimination and sexism, and I am committed to fighting for equality
