Civil Liberties For Women

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;…” (Stanton1). These words of Elizabeth Cady Stanton perfectly describe that people are equal. Elizabeth’s focus and dispute in the Declaration of Sentiments propose that women should be viewed same as men and given the same civil rights. Elizabeth also maintains that the fact it is stated that all are equal is the same reason that women should be treated the same as men. The text stresses that all men are equal. However, women, on the other hand, are demeaned. Elizabeth’s writing has emotional, logical, and ethical demands. All the pleas intensely exert the significance of impartiality. She affirms this by saying that it is right for the victims to decline loyalty to this kind of suffering and to assert upon the establishment of a new administration if the current regime is unhelpful of these ends (Stanton1). Therefore, this text was formed to appeal the privileges for women and modify the mistaken discernment the society trusts. Therefore, it is the start of the current women’s civil rights crusade. Many women were inspired by this to contest the obstructions that restricted their chances, since for once in history, they were confident to express their opinions. This paper will argue about the purpose of the Declaration of Sentiments through appeals to logos, the emotional appeal, and the appeal to pathos.

The main points of the text are that it mirrored the essence of reform at that given period. This is the idea of civil rights, which was being appealed first to form and expand the meaning of democracy. The article tries to assert that men and women have the same rights, their freedom, and the quest of contentment as men and should not be demeaned. This article addresses the disparity and abuse that the women and blacks experience. The text considers civil liberty for women, their proper demands and the significance of equality. Elizabeth makes the reader understand the abusive nature of men and how they suppress women from their potential. It also stresses how the inequality rendered the women dependent on men and dismissed their liberty as citizens and as human beings.
Firstly, in tempting the logic readers’ thinking, Stanton successfully highlights to the reader that individuals tend to differ and rebel against the administration regarding something very vital. It also demonstrates that since the government is unhelpful, it interferes with the welfare and contentment of the women. The government is established to safeguard the peoples’ rights, and when it does not succeed, then the oppressed has all the rights to demand freedom (Stanton1). Stanton feels that the administration has failed to offer the certain privileges, so she controlled three hundred activists to rectify the mistake done by the society. Stanton argues that the government is despotizing by men only, and the opinion of women is not considered, they cannot speak out and are not worthy. In her description, “tyranny over her,” Stanton shows how men are offensive and overpower them from their capabilities (Stanton1). Women have been enslaved, and owned as vessels since they have no freedom, which is also denied. Stanton says, “In the covenant of marriage, she is compelled to promise obedience to her husband, he becoming, to all intents and purposes, her master…”
Secondly, Stanton presents to the readers’ emotions the perception that men are the masters and women their servants. Elizabeth says, “… a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a course.” (Stanton1). They are made to listen without contributing anything as they do whatever the husbands wants them to do. Through the emotional select of words, the reader understands that women would only take orders from men. Inequality rendered them dependent on men and dismissed their liberty as citizens and as human beings. By listing these thoughts, Stanton hopes that women will achieve their freedom and gain their independence from men; similar to how the 13 colonies gained their independence from the Great Britain. She begins with, “He” to convey how severely they are burdened (Stanton1). She continues to list all the issues that are corruptly mistaken, and she implores to the society and the administration that there is the need for equality and privileges.
Finally, Stanton makes the reader realize that she respects humanity. Nevertheless, on such occasions, there are some issues she does not tolerate, and believes must be changed. Provided that she has opposing opinions into consideration, it is her right to express her own. Stanton did an efficient work pleasing to the reader with her strong tone all through the piece. Stanton says, “… that woman is man’s equal, was intended to be so by the Creator, and the highest good of the race demands that she should be recognized as such” (Stanton1). From the quote, Stanton clarified to the reader the importance of equality between men and women. Every significant appeal that she utilized was effective, and each reasoned a key fact on why equality is important.
In conclusion, Stanton campaigns for civil liberty for women and the purpose of the Declaration of Sentiments through appeals to logos, the emotional appeal, and the appeal to pathos. The historical importance of this article is that it is the start of women’s revolution for their civil rights. It has made the struggle for civil liberty official and formal as women will fight for the same privileges as men. Stanton, through her document, has initiated the fight for women’s independence from men and her arguments are very convincing. It is ethically incorrect to harass, demean, and strip women their basic rights. Indeed, all men and women were created equal, gifted by God with positive unchallengeable privileges such as liberty and happy life.

Work Cited
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. “Declaration of Sentiments.” (1848): n. page. Web. 12 Nov. 2016. <http://www.womensrightsfriends.org/pdfs/1848_declaration_of_sentiments.pdf>.