Equal Rights Amendment

831 Words2 Pages

History details many events that have shaped our country and future. Events such as the Civil War, the Reconstruction, the Cold War, and other events have impacted us both positively and negatively. One event that has impacted our society in a major way and had its challenges is the Equal Rights Amendment. So the article I chose is titled The Equal Rights Amendment Passes Congress, but Fails to Be Ratified.
In 1923, the equal rights amendment was introduced into the United States. This happened after women were granted the right to vote by the Nineteenth Amendment. However, the challenge of the equal rights amendment had gained very little support, to which labor unions were not in support of it for the reason that this would have a negative impact on the protections already gained for women workers. In the 1940’s, when there was some support, Congress was against passing this amendment. One aspect that changed this amendment was equal rights for African Americans. With much review congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which gave protection to minorities and women. Soon after, the National Organization for Women formed by Betty Friedan had a goal of adding an equal rights amendment to the Constitution. After it was passed, it had to be ratified to which within one year, thirty states approved the amendment.
Even though this amendment benefited many women, not all were in support of it. One leader who was opposed to this was Phyllis Schlafly, who argued that this amendment would hold threat to families, mothers, and to the special protections that some enjoyed. One example of her argument was exemplified in the Roe vs. Wade case. This case was an example of what could happen if the courts would begin interfering in societ...

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...n and women. With so many advances for women and the progress over the years, I believe there are still some inequities that remain. However, the inequities are the individual behavior and social practices, and not from our government system. With the constitution clearly defining Equal Rights this leaves room for a zero tolerance of inequality on the basis of morals and values. I have come to believe that it depends on the person who defines their own morals and values, which leads for them to believe in Equal Rights.
In conclusion, it appears that the attempt to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment was to benefit women, but now it appears to address the problems for men in society as well. In the end of true equality between men and women, such problems of both genders should be seriously addressed. It is not just for equal rights for women, but now for men as well.

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