As I traveled to the library today I became fascinated in looking for books about women’s suffrage and roles in the workplace. As a female entrepreneur, I feel that it is imperative to have female representation in our Parliament as well as making sure our voices are heard. I picked up a book about Women’s Worth and Worthlessness and was intrigued by the chapter about “The Necessity of Female Suffrage”. I barely have time to read anymore between running a business and taking care of Phyllis, but I thought that this was important and relevant to my life.
Although as I began to read the chapter I could not believe my eyes. I was stunned to read about how female suffrage is unnecessary! Quite the contrary to the title indeed. After devoting hours upon hours of my time to the photography business and breaking through gender roles I found myself falling into the dark reality, as I read on, that no matter what I do it will never be enough. One specific quote caught me by surprise as I read, “One man is stronger than one woman, and ten men are stronger than ten women, and the nineteen millions of men in this country will subdue, capture, and execute or expel the nineteen millions of women just as soon as they set about it”. The idea that no matter what I do I will never seem to be as strong or good as a man is heartbreaking. After the passing of my father, I gained knowledge and a new outlook on life that contributed to my strength. I am sure a man would never have to endure some of the things that I have between my father dying, starting a business, and taking care of my sisters.
Editorial Commentary: While this book would be viewed as blasphemy in the 21st century, it was not uncommon that many people felt this way in Victorian-era Britain. Especially as women are attempting to gain votes and seats in Parliament, it seems as though men are threatened and willing to do whatever it takes to push the traditional roles on women. The comparison between the slaves of the South and women is a fascinating point that was referenced many times during early feminist movements. The rights to vote for people of color and women were given by those who were also actively trying to oppress them. The situation itself is quite ironic which is also why it was so controversial to minorities during this time as well. Certainly, Gertrude would not have touched that book if she knew its contents.
The oppression of women in Victorian-era Britain was commonly seen through business, gender roles, and Parliament. Obviously, it would be difficult for Gertrude to read this book and continue to put in time and effort with the thought that oppression would continue. As a female entrepreneur, Gertrude makes note of how passionate she is about the female right to vote as well as gaining other rights. The book as a whole represents those who stand firm in traditional values and have not yet accepted the ways of feminism or other newfound movements. As we know from history, it is only a matter of time until women gain the right to vote and break through the traditional domesticities of home-life.
Citation: Hamilton, Gail. “Woman's Worth and Worthlessness. The Complement to ‘A New Atmosphere." . HathiTrust, 1872, babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.rslljw.