Study Guide for Shirley Chisholm's Equal Rights for Women Speech

Shirley Chisholm's speech, 'Equal Rights for Women in the United States', delivered before the National Women's Political Caucus in 1970, stands as a landmark in the fight for gender equality. With its powerful rhetoric and incisive analysis, Chisholm's address ignited the nation's conscience and became a catalyst for lasting change. This comprehensive study guide delves into the historical context, rhetorical strategies, and enduring legacy of this iconic speech.

Historical Context

Study Guide for Shirley Chisholm's Equal Rights for Women Speech

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The 1960s and early 1970s marked a transformative era in the fight for women's rights. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had spurred a renewed focus on equality for all Americans, including women. In 1966, Congress passed the Equal Pay Act, which prohibited employers from paying women less than men for equal work. However, despite these legal advancements, women still faced significant discrimination and inequality in many aspects of life.

Rhetorical Strategies

Chisholm's speech masterfully employs a range of rhetorical strategies to convey her message with clarity and impact.

• Pathos: Chisholm effectively appeals to the emotions of her audience by sharing personal anecdotes and statistics that illustrate the experiences of women in the United States.
• Logos: She uses logical arguments and data to support her claims, providing evidence of the wage gap, housing discrimination, and violence against women.
• Ethos: Chisholm establishes herself as a credible and authoritative figure by invoking her own experiences as an African American woman and a U.S. Representative.
• Anaphora: She repeats the phrase "I rise to speak tonight" multiple times throughout the speech, reinforcing the sense of urgency and determination.
• Metaphor: Chisholm compares the fight for women's rights to a "war," emphasizing the magnitude of the challenge.

Analysis

Chisholm's speech is structured around five key points:

1. The Constitution does not guarantee equal rights for women.
2. Women face systemic discrimination in education, employment, and housing.
3. Violence against women is a pervasive problem.
4. The Equal Rights Amendment is necessary to address these inequities.
5. Women must unite and demand change.

Chisholm argues that the Constitution's failure to explicitly grant equal rights to women has allowed for the perpetuation of discrimination. She cites examples of women being denied housing, educational opportunities, and fair wages. She also highlights the alarming rates of violence against women, including rape, battery, and sexual harassment.

To address these injustices, Chisholm proposes the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, which would guarantee equal rights regardless of sex. She argues that this amendment is essential for achieving true equality for women.

Impact and Legacy

Chisholm's speech had a profound impact on the women's rights movement. It helped to raise awareness of the issues facing women and inspired countless people to join the fight for equality. The speech was widely circulated and became a touchstone for the growing feminist movement.

In 1972, Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment, although it ultimately failed to achieve ratification. However, Chisholm's speech has continued to inspire activists and policymakers alike. It is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential speeches in the history of the women's rights movement.

Shirley Chisholm's speech, 'Equal Rights for Women in the United States', remains a powerful and enduring testament to the fight for gender equality. Its use of compelling rhetoric, personal anecdotes, and logical arguments continues to inspire and inform activists and scholars today. By shedding light on the systemic discrimination faced by women, Chisholm's speech helped to galvanize the movement for change and paved the way for lasting progress.

Study Questions

1. What are the main arguments presented in Shirley Chisholm's speech?
2. How does Chisholm use rhetorical strategies to convey her message effectively?
3. What were the historical circumstances that influenced the delivery of this speech?
4. How did Chisholm's speech contribute to the women's rights movement?
5. What is the enduring legacy of Chisholm's speech and its relevance to contemporary society?

Bibliography

• Chisholm, Shirley. "Equal Rights for Women in the United States." Delivered at the National Women's Political Caucus, 1970.
• Giddings, Paula J. "Shirley Chisholm." In Black Women in American History, edited by Darlene Clark Hine, Stanley Harrold, and William C. Hine, 18-24. New York: Carlson Publishing, 1990.
• Lemann, Nicholas. "The Audacity of Shirley Chisholm." The New Yorker, January 23, 2012.
• Smith, Jessie Carney. "Shirley Chisholm." In Notable Black American Women, edited by Jessie Carney Smith, 173-76. Detroit: Gale Research, 1992.

Image Attributions:

• "Shirley Chisholm" by Unknown Photographer is in the public domain.
• "National Women's Political Caucus" by Unknown Photographer is in the public domain.
• "Equal Rights Amendment" by Unknown Photographer is in the public domain.

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Study Guide for Shirley Chisholm's Equal Rights for Women Speech

by Course Hero

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	473 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	218 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE