Benjamin Rush had great views and ideas for the future of the women. Considering that there were a variety, both men and women, I believe would have reacted with different opinions for different views. One thing is for sure that the women agreed with his views and most likely were relieved that finally an individual spoke up about women and their capabilities to be more than just caretakers. Benjamin Rush believed women should be properly educated because they have a role as a caretaker and a guide to their children; therefore, they are the first impressions upon the minds of their children. Both men and women would have agreed with this statement because which mother would not want to be educated to pass on their knowledge to their children and be able to answer their questions precisely. And as we all know all fathers want their sons to grow up and be successful.
Moreover, he stated that women should read history in order to master geography and chronology. This would teach women to have knowledge of the world and be great traveling partner for their husbands. Women would have agreed with this statement, because they are so used to being around home, they would finally get a chance to explore the world and also gain knowledge. Men wouldn’t agree with this statement because they believed women should stay in the boundaries of their home and raise children. Furthermore, Men were not in favor of women being educated because they thought women would take control of the revolution they had unleashed. Also men would have reacted negatively because they would longer been viewed as the intellectual superiors of the society. Women on the other hand, would have reacted positively because they would be granted the same educational opportunities as men. Also, given the opportunity to be educated women would gain interests in careers outside of their locations which would be a huge concern for men. Possibly because women would establish communication networks wider than their region, which would gain them access to other points of view, and possibly promoting skepticism about local opinions and practices.
2 comments:
I agree with what you just said that women can do just as a man can do. I believe that during the revolutionary era there were more women fighting for freedom, values, and showing their strength then just Debra Sampson. She was one of many women that that did important evens and actions during the revolutionary time. Benjamin Rush was a man that opened the doors of many women to show that they were more then just housekeeper. He fought for their freedom, education and choices. In an article he mentions the importance of an education for women. Benjamin showed to men the importance of women in politics and economics issue.
I appreciate that you pointed how men during Benjamin Rush's time would have stressed to maintain gender roles based on the notion of "separate spheres."
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