“Ain’t I a Woman?”
Sojourner Truth
I wish I was there when “old Sojourner” delivered this speech. I want to see her become flushed with passion over the injustices done to her, yet remain composed and wise. I want to see the crowd become speechless after this black woman speaks against the ways of society with so much insight. It is amazing to me that Sojourner did not have any formal education and would not have been considered intellectual. She was just a common slave, used to bear children and work the field. Yet, in her speech, there is evidence of understanding beyond her education. She saw the big picture; she understood what others couldn’t fathom. Although I’ve been in school all of my life, I don’t think I am as wise as Sojourner, but I wish I was. The world needs whatever understanding she possessed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I enjoyed this essay. Her words were to the point and clear. To me this is a woman, thirteen children qualify her as that. I am so amazed at the things women of the past were able to do when they had no rights at all. I with all the freedom I can handle, realize how much I can do to change this world. I have more chances than imaginable in Sojourner's day, yet take so few of the opportunities.
You're right, Jess, thirteen children indeed makes her a woman by gender, but I think the fact she had to see them all sold into slavery shows the strength that makes her a true woman. Being female is all that birhting children requires, but I think the true measure of a woman is to see her endure what man cannot and watch her have the better attitude for it. She is not bitter for her circumstances, but instead presses on towards being a better human being.
Post a Comment