Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Civil Disobedience

“The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls. Every truth we see is ours to give the world, not to keep for ourselves alone, for in so doing we cheat humanity out of their rights and check our own development.”

— From an 1890 speech to the National American Woman Suffrage Association

                   On the topic of civil disobedience, I believe this quote hits the main points. To be civilly disobedient, it means that you aren't doing everything the government says is the right way to do things. It means that you follow your own moral compass. 

                   I believe the author is saying: You can not let other peoples beliefs and ideologies stop you from saying what you believe to be true. Everyone is not going to agree with your thoughts and opinions but regardless of what they are you should still say them. Without speaking up, change will not come. Rules and laws will be made one-sided without thought of you and people like you if you don't speak up. Not only are you doing yourself a disservice but the future of the country.

                   Without people like Ms. Stanton and people like her, we would not have a great deal of the freedoms that we currently have. They pushed the boundaries and broke rules in order for changes to happen. Although they probably were afraid at times their bravery, ability to bring people together and show people, that by giving people more rights it can help bring the country up not pull it down.

                     I chose this woman because her name is not one I have often heard of, when speaking about civil rights. I believe that by learning more about not so famous figures in history I can help to spread their word and knowledge. Hopefully, it will empower more women in fighting for what they believe in and know that there are many more powerful female role-models out there.