As someone with minimal knowledge on history/politics/women’s rights, this post was the first time I heard about the Equal Rights Amendment. I kind of just assumed women were already equal to men, and that there was no need for an amendment to be passed to outline such basic principles. Then again, laws like these hold every single person accountable, so I can see why there is a need for them. Additionally, the passing of similar laws happened during the civil rights movement, and without them, our society may not have been as equal as it is now. So even though it might seem foolish to pass such common-sense laws, not everyone thinks the same way you and I do, which is why passing such legislation is important.
I am from California and I had no idea the Equal Rights Amendment was already adopted, but I was even more shocked to learn that it has not been adopted in all states! I think it’s sad that we have to enact legislation for the equality of sexes, because it should already be the norm. I also don’t know why people would be opposed to such legislation. What are they afraid of? I am also very curious as to what it must be like to live in states without this amendment. As a woman who has lived in California her whole life, I don’t think I have ever experienced sexism, and I wonder if that is because of the Equal Rights Amendment or I was just lucky. I know you mentioned you have experienced sexism in California, even though the Equal Rights Amendment has been passed, which I think is very interesting. It makes me wonder to what extent laws are laws like these effective when it comes to influencing the mindset of the general population. For example, during the Civil Rights movement, even after legislation was passed stating the equality of blacks and whites, black people still faced racism, and some still even face it to this day. So it makes sense why women would still face sexism in states where the Equal Rights Amendment has been passed.
To me, passing the Equal Rights Amendment seems like only the first step in achieving gender equality. Although I personally feel like I am treated equally, I know that is not the case for many other women. Additionally, if it wasn’t for the fights fought by previous women, I would not be able to vote, have my own career, or even attend school. I don’t want any woman to worry if she is getting paid less than her male coworker, which is why we need the Equal Rights Amendment to be passed nationwide. It is very easy to take for granted the rights and privileges I have today which millions of women before me did not have. Your piece has inspired me to pay more attention to gender equality and has made me realize how pressing legislation pertinent to this issue is.
zucchinifries00 