I hope you are all having a great Tuesday! Remember, I will be after school today if anyone needs to work on things!
"I think the girl who is able to earn her own living and pay her own way should be as happy as anybody on earth. The sense of independence and security is very sweet."
-Susan B. Anthony
-Susan B. Anthony
Agenda:
-We will read Susan B. Anthony on Women's Right to Vote as a class.
**Remember, this speech was given before all the literature we have read was published.
-After we read as a class, you will independently answer these response questions on the blog:
1. Considering Anthony's speech was given shortly before the first piece we read was published (The Awakening, 1899), what was the risk Chopin and Gilman were taking when they were writing their controversial pieces during this political climate? What was the historical impact of these two texts?
2. Susan B. Anthony asks "Are women persons?", how far have we gotten since she spoke those words in 1872? What is our present situation in terms of gender equality? Would Susan B. Anthony be satisfied?
3. Susan B. Anthony fought for women's right to vote, along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she drafted and amendment for the United States Constitution in 1878. It was not until 41 years later that Congress submitted the 19th Amendment to the states for ratification. In 1920 women gained the right to vote, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution reads:
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Did this one line give women a new sense of empowerment? Did this amendment give women, such as Brady ("I Want a Wife") more strength and ammunition to openly write or speak about their frustrations? How so?
-If you finish, quietly work on your multi-genre projects.
-We will read Susan B. Anthony on Women's Right to Vote as a class.
**Remember, this speech was given before all the literature we have read was published.
-After we read as a class, you will independently answer these response questions on the blog:
1. Considering Anthony's speech was given shortly before the first piece we read was published (The Awakening, 1899), what was the risk Chopin and Gilman were taking when they were writing their controversial pieces during this political climate? What was the historical impact of these two texts?
2. Susan B. Anthony asks "Are women persons?", how far have we gotten since she spoke those words in 1872? What is our present situation in terms of gender equality? Would Susan B. Anthony be satisfied?
3. Susan B. Anthony fought for women's right to vote, along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, she drafted and amendment for the United States Constitution in 1878. It was not until 41 years later that Congress submitted the 19th Amendment to the states for ratification. In 1920 women gained the right to vote, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution reads:
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Did this one line give women a new sense of empowerment? Did this amendment give women, such as Brady ("I Want a Wife") more strength and ammunition to openly write or speak about their frustrations? How so?
-If you finish, quietly work on your multi-genre projects.
HOMEWORK:
-Chapters 11 & 12 in Herland
-MULTI-GENRE PROJECTS!
-Catch up on blog posts (1/30, 2/12, 3/5)
1. The only risk Chopin and Gilman took when writing their pieces was the risk of not being taken seriously. The difference between Susan B. Anthony and both writers is that Anthony defied an established law. There was no law against Chopin and Gilman voicing their opinions, and thus no legal rebuttal or backing for any illegal action taken against them.
ReplyDelete2. Gender equality varies not only from place to place but from situation to situation. Women are treated differently by culture and by context. A woman looking to get a job that was historically a male job like construction would be greeted by higher levels of equality in the name of anti-sexism.
3. The amendment righted the wrong for the future, but did not balance out the wrong in the past. There was no compensation for past treatment of women.
1. Anthony was arrested for her act of protest. She was persecuted for thinking outside of the box, moving outside of the conformity that women were placed in. For women who wrote books that challenged the views of society, they were under a lot of scrutiny. The Awakening challenged the typical role women were placed in, the main character was a woman who defied her husband and wasn't very maternal toward her children. The Yellow Wallpaper had an impact on the male dominant medical world. To the point where a doctor changed his form of practice.
ReplyDelete2. We have improved a lot. Not entirely but a lot. Women have the ability to fight in combat now. And equal pay has been established in certain pieces, but I think Susan B. Anthony would be extremely satisfied.
3. I believe so. The words are uplifting and empowering, giving women a place in society. In laws. I think it gave women hope and a sense of self and purpose.
1.) Anthony's arrest means that the government is taking action against women who assert their political rights. By publishing such controversial works directly afterwards, Chopin and Gillman out themselves at risk of receiving repercussions from a sexist society. They may not have been arrested, but the government maybe would have tried to censure their work to make it less shocking to the public, to create less of a ripple in a society with accepted gender roles.
ReplyDelete2.) We have obviously made some progress; we have earned the right to vote, and many other legal standards equal with those of men. But there is still the underlying social expectations that can not be signed away with a law. There are still images and stereotypes a woman is classified into in many areas of her life- in the professional workplace, in personal relationships with men and family, in the household. Women just recently gained the right to fight for her country on the same level as men. I think Anthony would have been happy with the progress that has been made politically, but not completely satisfied with the gender distinctions socially.
3.) Politically yes. But this is limited to truly giving women relief from the oppression they have been facing for centuries. Giving women the right to vote is a stride toward equality, but that single law does not make them equal to men. It does not erase everything from question 2.
1. It was a time of a lot of tension between men and women. The women were starting to fight for their rights and people were starting to take notice. They expressed what a lot of women wanted to say and how they felt. It was a look into the untraditional mind of a woman. It was a woman discussing how she didn't feel love for her children, or wanting to be in that traditional role.
ReplyDelete2. I think women have come a very long way in terms of equality. There are women in high ranking positions, in the military, and many make money just as often as the man. With this being said women today still are not treated as equals to men. We were just given the right to be in combat in the military, and we are still often payed less than a man in the same job. I think Susan B anthony would be glad we came such a long way but would also notice things that are still wrong with women's rights.
3. This most likely did give them a sense of empowerment. It let them know they now had a voice and could choose who was in charge of them. I think women were probably still scared to speak out but the right to vote was a small change in the grand scheme of things. At the time it seemed like a milestone( I mean, it was) but there was still so much improving in terms of women's rights and equality.
1) Because of the political climate, Chopin and Gilman risked facing more opposition for writing their controversial material because the public was more aware of developments on this topic. On the other hand, because of this heightened awareness, they were also likely to reach more people that supported them. These texts impacted history by subtly supporting women's rights and the idea that women are just as capable as men. Even if these texts didn't individually accomplish something extremely noteworthy, they contributed to the growth of new ideals.
ReplyDelete2) In law and on paper women now have equal rights, but in practice women as a whole don't achieve as much as men, and an explanation for this is that they are being held back even though legally they shouldn't be. I think Susan B. Anthony would appreciate that much progress has been made, but I don't think she would be satisfied with the extent of the progress.
3) I think that although this line didn't immediately give all women every drop of equality they could want, it gave them something solid to stand on as they made themselves more pronounced in society through art, politics, and every other way.
1.) I believe Susan B. Anthony could have inspired authors such as Chopin to write to controversial pieces, because controversy and bold statements gain attention. Doing so these authors are aware that such bold statements can lead to consequence. Susan B Anthony was charged, arrested, and fined for her "crimes", so I believe these woman knew their risk , they just believed in the movement that they just disregarded it.
ReplyDelete2.) I believe that gender equality has definitely improved itself over the years but has ways to go. We must keep pushing the movement forward so that woman can have equal opportunity. I believe that Susan B. Anthony would be proud to see where we are and want us to move forward.
1. The society Anthony describes is one that would not have been readily open to the views Chopin and GIlman expressed in their writing. The reaction to their publicly expressed opinions would not have been positive for the most part. They faced the "hateful oligarchy of sex" Anthony condemns in her speech, a system which ignored the wants and needs of women to participate in society and their own lives.
ReplyDelete2. Society accepts gender equality in the legal sense. However, sexism is still a force. It still governs interactions and expectations. Anthony would be thrilled to find the progress that has been made, but I do not believe she would consider it enough. Women have the right to participate in our government, yet there has never been a female president and female Congresswomen are few in number.
3. The amendment to the Constitution didn't empower women; it finally gave them the rights to which they are entitled. It may have stated that women could vote, but that did not automatically change the perception of women in society. Women were and continue to be exploited, stereotyped, and discriminated against. A document cannot change that. That is something that society must realize and take action against.
Delete1) The risk Chopin and Gilman were taking when they were writing their controversial pieces during this political climate was one of ridicule. They were women, and this their opinions weren't held in the same regard as the men's. Chopin upset many 19th century expectations for women and their supposed roles. One of her most shocking actions was her denial of her role as a mother and wife. Chopin contributed to the fight for freedom and equal rights for women.
ReplyDelete2) I think Susan B. Anthony would be satisfied, but there is always room for improvement- although we've no doubt gotten many rights that women in the 19th dreamed of having, this isn't universal and there are still instances where sexism and discrimination is brewing. Although women have acquired many rights over the years, we still dont have the most fundamental right--to our body(ei freedom of birth control, abortions, the cultures view of rape).
3) Although it did empower women in a political sense, being able to contribute more to government and having the right to elect legislature that was beneficial to their cause, i definitely agree with Hannah and how they were just given the right that men have had for decades.They were probably satisfied, but i dont believe empowered is the word i would've chosen. The 19th amendment gave women more immunity to speak about their frustrations on a political level, but making a law and having the people oblige to it is different-and would require many to get a completely different mindset. Even though legally women could now vote, they were still seen as inferior and their opinion and work was valued much less.
DeleteYou're welcome.
ReplyDelete1) Chopin was taking the risk of publicizing the ideas of independence and freedom for women, which was considered dangerous and illegal at the time. They made the impact of being a part of the change to humanization of women of that period of time.
ReplyDelete2) We have gotten very far since those words were said, as women eventually gained suffrage , equality, and much more of an equal placement to men in society. Presently, women and men are practically equal besides the small prejudices some may still believe in. Susan B. Anthony would be very satisfied with the changes throughout the 20th century.
3) Yes, this statement gave all women a sense of revolutionary independence and an epiphany of self achieving potential. To “not be denied” gave women more strength because they are more recognized, and more equal to every other person that has the same abilities to vote.
1. The risk that they were taking when they were writing the pieces during the political climate was that they could then get more opposition for what they were writing having many people disagreeing with what they said. Obviously every woman has an opinion, but a mans opinion is what people of that time period actually listened to. By writing and expressing their emotions, they were opening up themselves for ridicule.
ReplyDelete2. Although in times today women have a lot more rights compared to when we did back then, but we still have a long way to go. People like susan B. Anthony are the kind of women that we need in this world in order to make a change. I think she would be happy with all of the changes, even though we dont have absolutely all of the rights we deserve. But im sure she would be very proud of how far we have come.
3. Of course it made women feel more empowered, they wouldnt be human if they didnt feel that way. Now that they can express their feelings on politics, why shouldnt they be able to express their feelings on other matters? But at the same time, i think that women knew that things were not about to change in the blink of an eye.
1: Chopin and Gilman risked having their books banned or even being arrested. Their works were controversial and could even be considered illegal at the time. These works gave women courage and inspired them to fight for their rights.
ReplyDelete2: Women are more equal now after Susan B. Anthony’s speech. Women have equal rights now and are freer than they were before. Susan B. Anthony would be proud of the changes in the 20th century.
3: Yes, Women could feel like equal citizens and have more power in the government and are able to change the country.
1. They risked their careers and writing credibility if the women's rights movement was not successful.
ReplyDelete2. We've come very far in gender equality and Susan B. Anthony would be very pleased. There's still progress to be made, however; while men and women are fairly equal in opportunity and rights there are still a lot of gender specific stereotypes society has yet to shake off.
3. Giving women the right to vote was the first action that established them as intellectual equals, so in a way giving them the right to vote would allow them to command more respect and attention to their writing.
1. Gilman and Chopin were taking a major risk by writing their controversial novels because their mindsets were not excepted during the 19th century. Women's opinion and right to speak weren't taken into account because their 'roles" was domestic not political.
ReplyDelete2. Women through the years have gained more respect and equality because of the of women suffrage activist. However their is still sexism as there is racism, this will never dissipate.
3. Yes and no, this solid line finally gave women one of the things they were fighting for, which was the right to vote. But it did not make it illegal for men to be sexist...
1) Authors Chopin and Gilman took the risk of being arrested, harassed or socially outcast due to the outward expression of their opinions through literature. Since their more feminist opinions were not included in the popular opinions of the time, most people would reject them especially men or those who wished to keep women oppressed for their benefit.
ReplyDelete2) I believe personally that we have come a long way from questioning the obvious fact of wether women are people or not. However, i do not believe that Susan B. Anthony would be satisfied, especially with our representation in government and the issues that surround it. I think the discussions between some of our political figures on the topic of rape and other things as such really prove our still very relevant lack of equality between men and women. Not to mention the fact that a women has not been president yet throughout all this improvement.
3) Yes i would believe that the right to vote gave women a newfound sense of empowerment because they now had a say in government. If they are voting for the government they should be able to be heard and cared for by it. The government provides freedom of speech and freedom of press and since women were now feeling " more included" in these liberties although their opinions may have been controversial, they were less afraid to speak them.
1. Gilman and Perkins were able to hide behind their words to avoid persecution, but Susan B. Anthony advocated for women with her whole being, her actions, putting herself in direct danger to see her belief in equal rights manifested in the world.
ReplyDelete2. There are some cases today where women are still considered to be subhuman. Particularly in matters of reproductive rights, men still think that they are entitled to treat a woman's body as an object, not as a human being. If Susan B. Anthony was alive today, she would not be satisfied with the way women are treated by men. Until women are given control over their own bodies, they will not truly be equal within society. If women were truly considered equal there would be no rape, involuntary prostitution, or shame about birth control. It is not human beings that are raped, prostituted, and shamed in the eyes of men-- it is women.
3. It is difficult to think of women's right to vote as liberating and empowering, when it has been a fundamental human right for men all along. Were slaves empowered by the end of slavery? No. They were simply allowed to live the way that they were entitled to. A sentence that ends centuries of oppression is not liberating or empowering, it is merely the way it should have been.
1) Chopin and Gilman both took risks. Even though their risks weren't as great as Susan B. Anthony they still took a risk. Many people could have ridiculed them and not taken they seriously or just used their books to mock. As far as historical context these books helped women realize what was going on and how they could change their roles in society. These books helped women break out of their shells and start to stand up for themselves.
ReplyDelete2) We have gotten pretty far since Susan B. Anthony spoke those words. We can now vote, fight in combat, and work out side of the house in fields that used to be mainly male. Our present situation as far as gender equality is very good, but could still go a little farther. Women could get payed the same amount for example. I think Susan B. Anthony would be partly satisfied. She would like that women could vote but would still fight for women to be more equal.
3) I feel that line did give women empowerment. As for the amendment i dont think so. Only a few women came out said said what they felt. Which most would have said without the amendment.
1. Anthony was arrested for voting almost 50 years before it was legal, so even saying things about women's rights could have been dangerous for Chopin and Gilman. Their stories really examined a side of society that people weren't ready to deal with. And when you make someone uncomfortable like that things can get nasty, like they did for Anthony. It's amazing that these women took the steps they did for the feminism movement when they did. They were incredibly brave.
ReplyDelete2. I think that is the limited understanding of gender that people had in 1872, she would be very happy. The Lizzie Ledbetter Act, guaranteeing women equal pay, would have her dancing in her grave. I think that in terms of Men's vs. Women's right we are very equal, but in terms of other things, like how society see us, we still have a ways to go.
3.I think that this amendment really opened the door for women in general, but more so for female artists who had to sensor their work in the past. Art is about being able to express yourself and when doing that could get you into serious trouble with the law, art doesn't really fulfill it's original purpose. I think that giving a woman a voice in government really allows her to speak out in other ways, as Brady and other authors we've read have done.
1) In their contemporary political climate, Gilman and Chopin were risking severe criticism and ostracism® due to their voicing of the extreme minority opinion. because they were writing this when women were being arrested for showing their displeasure at the current societal structure, they were risking a lot in voicing their opinions.
ReplyDelete2) In today's society, women are treated with much greater equality than in the late 19th century. although they are treaded with greater equality, it is still not completely equal. Susan B. Anthony would be pleased with the progress, but not satisfied with the current state of being.
3) Yes, it did. It allowed women the right to make contributions and project their influence on politics in the U.S.. Now, instead of just protesting and petitioning for their opinions to be listened to, they could now VOTE to change the way that our nation functions.
1. The process of writing and publishing the novels involved a lot of risks for both authors. By writing each book, the women were risking being looked down upon by the rest of their societies and even losing their peers and friends. The two books are incredibly important in the scope of american literature, because of they were written by women during on of the most controversial periods of women's rights.
ReplyDelete2. Women's rights are much farther ahead than they were 140 years ago, and I'm sure Susan would be proud of the great progression of they have had. although there are enormous steps we still need to make as a society, We have clearly over come a lot.
3. I'd rather not speak for women at the time, but I'm sure a lot of them felt a great level of satisfaction, but maybe not empowerment. After the amendment was passed women were given a greater level of equal rights, which is something they deserved as humans, so it was more like finally getting something they already deserved rather than giving them something empowering.
1. Anthony along with several other women of that time were taking a chance when publishing their works. The society of that time was not open to the opinions of women so it was only expected that they would be seen as controversial figures of the late 19th century. Some of the ideas expressed in their work still hold true to the values of a "socially" respected woman.
ReplyDelete2. Women are recognized as persons but struggle to show their capabilities in the world. In the corporate world women in general have problems attaining jobs even with higher education. Female politicians struggle to gain respect from those who look toward old values. Susan B. Anthony would be somewhat content but there is still more work to be done.
3. I feel like it gave them a voice because it spoke for all instead of one (men). Women like Brady felt more of a sense of security because their writing gave them equality and freedom to express themselves under law.
1. Anthony's arrest shows us that women of the time took risks by voicing their opinion. By releasing controversial material that criticized the traditional gender roles of the nineteenth-century, women like Chopin and Gilman faced possible ostracism. Their courage to not let themselves be censored and publish their books allowed their ideology to spread, having an immense impact on history.
ReplyDelete2. There's always room for improvement, but modern women have come a long way. The 19th Amendment was passed in 1919-1920, securing the right to vote for women. Many activities that were reserved for men in the 1900's have been integrated; sports, careers, WARS. While there's still a long way to go for total equality, Susan B. Anthony might be impressed with our progress so far.
3. The 19th amendment allows for women to have a voice in politics. They can influence the interests of the United States government in favor of women's rights. This is a huge step in empowering women, they might have more freedom in expressing themselves, as they get closer to equality.
1.) The risk was quite heavy for the women who wrote against oppression because many people disliked the idea of women speaking out about anything, so for them to push for full rights was a shock to all of society. This meant that they may have put themselves in the way of harm from either the people or the government. This could be either physical damage, mental abuse, or even being thrown in jail, (like when Susan B. Anthony when she attempted to vote.) This was significant because it opened the floodgates for other women to express their feelings which brought strength by numbers.
ReplyDelete2.) In many cases the country has found ways to progress since Susan B. Anthony gave this speech however in many cases were still the same. In terms of actual "written" rights women have gained the ability to vote as well as having access to higher paying jobs. Women also have superior rights when it comes to marriage and divorce, and many of the rules preceding a marriage. That being said in actuality many women don't receive many of the benefits that they should due to the fact that corporations aren't always as regulated as they should be.
3.) I believe that when the 19th amendment originally was incorporated into the constitution it probably didn't do too much until women actually had the chance to vote on something. however it did probably boost moral because the ability to vote was the key to the door to freedom, they just needed the opportunity to use the key to open it. -Jack Symes
1. Basically the only risk that these two women were taking was to be mocked by their society. The societies described by these women (Gilman, Chopin, and Anthony) were very stubborn and rigid in their mindsets.
ReplyDelete2. Women are much more advanced on the scale of gender equality than they were in 1872, so I think Susan B. Anthony would be glad at the prospect of female progress. However, if she were still alive, she would no doubt still be striving for greater and greater equality among the sexes.
3. From the female perspective, having the right to vote would fuel their desire for social equality, giving them a taste for more freedom would make them just want more, like when you eat one potato chip it makes your mouth beg for more, it's the same principle. However, from the male perspective, the 19th Amendment may have given them more of an edge to criticize. They would be able to say that women should be happy with what they were given. Mostly, though, I think women would feel more certain in their convictions of equal women's rights, that their small win would give them confidence to forge ahead.
1) Chopin and Gilman both risked potentially being outcasted, ridiculed or even jailed based on their publishing of their novels during this political climate. The publishing of these books show that women were beginning to speak out about their desires and needs during this time.
ReplyDelete2) Since Susan B Anthony Said "Are women persons?" we have come extremely far as far as gender equality goes. Women now have the right to vote, hold political office positions , make suggestions, choose wether or not to be married and many other liberties that were not available during Anthony's time. Susan B Anthony may be happy that we have all of these rights now, but she might be disappointed that modern women don't fight as hard for the injustices still occuring because they seem to be satisfied with the rights that they have.
3) This line may have given women a sense of empowerment because they may have started to feel like they honestly had a chance at broadcasting their opinion since anthony did it. Since Anthony publicly broadcasted her feelings and showed a passion for her cause, more women may have wanted to follow her example and speak their mind in other ways
1. Chopin and Gilman, were along the edge of taking a risk by publishing these pieces. They could have possibly been jailed or worse for supporting the women's rights movement. These times were especially a drought for women, so for any woman to start their outbreak during this time was extremely dangerous.
ReplyDelete2. We have gotten very far obviously. Women have advanced in society faster than ever before. Women are being represented in government and also are taking part in almost every major activity in today's society. Anthony would be proud (:
3. Of course, women could now take part in choosing who they wanted to represent them, a power never before seen in history.
1) Chopin and Gilman were risking ridicule, or even prosecution, by standing out against female oppression. If Susan B. Anthony could get arrested for voting; something that the constitution says everybody can do, there were obvious risks for speaking out like that. It paid off, however, because we're at a point where people cannot be restricted because of race or gender, those risks have paid off.
ReplyDelete2) We've obviously gotten far since 1872, where most discrimination based on gender (and race too) is purely social. There are still things that only men can do (like being in certain parts of the military) but not many. Our society was set up with certain restrictions that forced it to develop a certain way, like how men make up bigger portions of certain places in society, such as politics. Those restrictions (at least for race/gender) have been taken from society, so society can develop into a more ideal form. Traces of those restrictions are still present, but fading. Society isn't perfectly equal, but it's getting there. I think Susan B. Anthony would at least be somewhat proud, since gender discrimination is most social, but still
3) I would think so. Women had just one a battle, which is empowering, and they could vote, and participate in shaping society, which was also empowering. It did give more strength for women to express themselves with. Women had more of a place in society from which to express frustrations. There may have been strong social discrimination, but that began to fade away, and continues to fade away.
1.They were risking not being published or heard because some people may try to hush up their pieces. They also were risking Being outcast from society, or from friends and family because of being embarrassed of connections to Chopin and Anthony. THey made an impact because they were women making a stand and getting themselves heard. They were not just sitting by but they were fighting for their rights. THey were risking being ridiculed and not having respect.
ReplyDelete2. Women are much more equal in today's society. They are given the right to vote and they can do almost everything men can. However, women are still not paid the same amount as men in most fields and have a harder time getting some jobs or getting respect in the work place. In popular culture women are objectified and sexualized. Women do not even have control over what they can do their own bodies. Politicians seem to think they can control women's health for abortions and birth control. The way that rape is viewed in the media is not for the women and victims are made to believe it was their owen fault. Susan B ANthony would be happier but not completely satisfied because we have a ways to go in women's rights.
3.Yes this line could make women feel empowered because they felt as human as men and this seemed to solidify the fact that they are equals with men. THis was a constitutional right that gave them more power. it was the most fought for right and now that they had that right they would feel more empowered to express their feelings and thoughts.
1.)They risked losing readers, and also risked loosing their careers. They also risked being outcast to their society. Everyone else didn't realize their cause, which was risky to argue during their time period.
ReplyDelete2.) Women are equal now. Susan B. Anthony would be pride, not only are women allowed to vote, but they could run for presidency. She was would be satisfied to know this.
3.) Yes this statement does empower women to stand up for there own natural rights. It basically made the gender equality obvious to every sex.
1. They took considerable risks by writing what they did. During that time, if people spoke out against injustices they were silenced. Society was deluded. Those in control (white men) didn't want to hear that they were being tyrannical, and the mindset of keeping their social norms trickled down to everyone else. So in the cases of Chopin and Gilman, they were risking everything. It was possible that they'd lose their jobs, along with any social standing they had. Their reputations could have been completely torn to shreds. In the long run, the texts have brought us a considerable amount of historical context. Characters such as Terry really work to show how some men were painfully chauvinistic, and that women weren't really seen as equal to men.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think Susan B. Anthony would be all that pleased with our current society. Sure, women have gotten the vote, and women are generally accepted into a great variety of workplaces, but you can hardly call that equality. Women still have a ways to go to gaining the same rights (and respect) that men receive. There's still a part of society that believes women are the weaker sex. In fact, it's a pretty large part of society. By "weaker," I mean that many people still think women are a) physically weaker and b) mentally weaker (more susceptible to their emotions, and often have judgment impaired by such emotions). Quite frankly, to use some rather mild terminology, I find that to be bullshit. The fact that women are still thought of as weaker in any way, coupled with women being paid less, along with the endless bouts of sexual harassment and all the other crap they have to put up with, all of that is ridiculous. We don't have equality, we're not going to have equality anytime soon. Why? Society is fucked up. It's plain and simple. I don't doubt that we'll reach full equality at some point, but now? No. Society is still twisted, and that's going to take a long time to fix. I don't like this, and I highly doubt that Susan B. Anthony would like it.
3. Historically, it did empower women. The fact that they won something, that the goal of the women's rights movement (at least part of it) was finally achieved, that definitely gave them strength. That they had reached one of their goals gave them reason to keep going, because they knew they could change society. As I've already stated, changing society takes a ridiculously long time, but once your movement obtains one goal, that's going to give hope to your movement. You'll gain more backers, and from there you'll be on the up and up. So yes, it did empower the women of the time. It gave them a sense of hope of actually getting society to give them the rights they deserve. This definitely gave authors more ammunition for the same reason. They could change society, they would change society, it was only a matter of getting society to notice that.