Feminist Synthesis Essay

The United States has allowed systematic sexism to take place for hundreds of years. The Equal Rights Amendment, originally introduced in 1923,if ratified would have ensured gender equality. However, due to widespread sexism, the Constitution, a near century later, has yet to be amended. The United States must diminish ongoing discrimination against women by granting legal minority status and acknowledge the overlooked hate speech against women (through explicit media) that is engraved into American pop-culture.

Feminism has always been at the forefront of the battle for equality. In the 1970’s the second wave of feminism swept over the United States and the surging want for equality was once again evident. Feminists attacked discriminatory social ideals furiously and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was a core aspect of this. The ERA “demanded a gender-neutral society in which men and women would be treated exactly the same” (Schlafly). For the amendment to pass it

needed to be ratified by 38 states over seven years. A three-year extension was allotted to ratify the ERA, but by 1982 only 35 states had ratified it.
Susan Brownmiller was a pillar for the feminist movement. Brownmiller, passionate for the cause wrote the book Against Our Will. Brownmiller believed that “a gender free, non activity specific law governing all manner of sexual assaults” would spark ongoing legal reform (Brownmiller). Through her writing she argues that rape is “nothing more or less than a conscious process of intimidation by which all men keep all women in a state of fear” (Brownmiller). It is evident Brownmiller was opposed to ideals of male superiority in society so it can be inferred that if alive she would have been an avid supporter of the ERA.
Phyllis Schlafly was a prominent opponent of the ERA and the failure of the ERA is largely due to her efforts against the feminist cause. Schlafly opposed the ERA because it would take away “traditional benefits for wives, widows, and mothers” (Schlafly). She believed men and women should openly accept a difference of treatment in society.
A minority is defined as, “ a group that experiences a narrowing of opportunities (success, education,wealth) that is disproportionately low compared to their numbers in society”.

Women must be afforded minority status as they are not given the same opportunities as men; whether it’s education, pay, or employment options women get the rough end of the stick. If women were regarded as a minority group then they would benefit from affirmative action, and be given equal opportunities in terms of education and pay. Unequal pay for equivalent jobs is still a major problem; women are paid only 78 cents to the dollar. From a study done with 1000 companies, it was found that “only 6.6% percent of executives were female”(Andre). If women were classified legally as a minority it could help end these discriminatory practices. Policies that are given to minorities that “redirect jobs and educational opportunities to those who are most in need of them” will lessen the achievement gap between women and men

(Andre).
Hate speech is defined as, “speech that offends, threatens, or insults groups, based on race, color,religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other traits” (American Bar). Pornography is offensive and insulting, accordingly it should be acknowledged as a formed of hate speech. However, prohibition of pornography would restrict an individual's right of free speech, which is granted by their constitutional rights.
The feminist movement has made landmark achievements towards equality. Although so much progress has been made (suffrage is now a woman's right,the workplace is a discrimination-free zone, abortions are legal, and many other things) feminism will not be through until gender equality is a staple in the United States. Women face discrimination often; career- wise, economically, and in terms of education. It is unlikely that the ERA will be ratified in the near future as it has been defeated in Congress so many times, in light of this women must be given the protection of minority status to stop the discrimination faced by so many everyday.