Declaring Independence: The Fight for Equality
Declaring Independence: The Fight for Equality

Declaring Independence: The Fight for Equality

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  • Pages: 3 (588 words)
  • Published: February 15, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
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During the late 1700’s, the colonies in America were upset and resentful of the British tyranny. In order to make the separation between the two groups official, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred years later, women were facing the same injustice, only it was from men; and to protest against the unfair treatment, Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.

Both parties of oppression fought against the same outcome, unjust treatment, yet, each fought against different causes and in different ways. Jefferson and Stanton direct their piece to different audiences. Jefferson claims in his piece that, “…all men are created equal…” This phrase implies that only white males are equal. Women and African Americans are not because, the word “women” is not mentioned in the se

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ntence, and African Americans were not even considered people back then.

Jefferson directs his piece toward white males who are upset with the king in Britain. He uses the word “men” to emphasis the equality between the king and men. However, Stanton declares in her piece that “…all men and women are created equal…” She uses “women”, to also emphasis the equality between two groups of people, male and female. Both Jefferson and Stanton use certain word to assert what they are fighting for; the equality between the king and men in the colonies, and the equality between males and females, respectively.

However, with Stanton’s add in of “women”, it not only changes the argument, but also the audience. Because of her statement, it brings on a broader perspective. She is not merely advocating the equality of two groups;

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she is fighting for the equality between all the people in the world. The Declaration of Independence is a well-known and admired piece, which is why Stanton uses its template to write her piece, the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. The Declaration of Independence carries a firm and urgent tone.

Phrases such as, “…it is the Right of the people to alter or abolish it…”, and “throw off such government”, and “repeated injuries and usurpations”, do not just illustrate that Jefferson is angry; it also shows that he wants actions taken immediately. He does not just declare independence, he also declares war. Stanton uses the template of the Declaration of Independence to carry out the same tone of seriousness. She informs the audience that the issue between men and women is as serious as the issue between the King and the Colonies.

The same urgent and indignant tone is accentuated, actions also needs to be taken right away. However, unlike Jefferson, Stanton does not declare war. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson writes, “…it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government…” While in the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, Stanton writes, “…it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government…” Jefferson uses the word “abolish”, whereas, Stanton uses the word “insist”.

It is clear that Stanton plans on taking milder actions, such as protests, negotiations, or pure refusal. In the end, both Jefferson and Stanton were victorious in their fights. It can be assumed that a major

factor of their victories was from their strong will and sharp language. Their use of words made their declaration stronger to all those who read it. And even though they were in different situations and took different actions, they fought for the same outcome: justice.

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