We live in a society that stresses both equality and individualism. Unfortunately, there is a lot of strife between the two concepts. Social media trends and peer pressure have turned society into one where everyone must be equal, and collectivism is key. Equality is the idea that all should be given the same opportunities no matter their place in life. To gain this equality individuals are told to sacrifice their own uniqueness and ideals, or individuality, they possess. These tensions can be navigated by understanding and respecting the rights of individuals in society. Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut shows an example of what overbearing equality can do to a society. Conversely, Elizabeth Cady Stanton showed a well-structured argument …show more content…
Author Elizabeth Cady Stanton logically and ethically argued for the equal treatment of women in her “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions”. She laid out examples of their inequality such as, “He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice” (Stanton, 2007, p.59). This exemplifies the treatment of women and the lack of equality shown to the women of her society. Making laws for a whole group of individuals without considering their individuality ruins not only that concept but also the function of equality. One group of people should not be making rules for another without the input of the said group. Stanton understood our God-given individuality stating “[B]eing invested by the Creator with the same capabilities, and the same consciousness of responsibility for their existence, it is demonstrably the right and duty of women…to promote righteous cause” (Stanton, 2007. p.61). Individuals are responsible for their existence, and it is not up to the decision of others how their life should be …show more content…
The authors Kurt Vonnegut and Elizabeth Cady Stanton introduced respective ideas on the concepts of individuality and equality. Both of their sides can be used together to form a cohesive combination of ideals. Looking at Vonnegut’s description of a society based on absolute equality, one can see what not to do when seeking unity in a society. Forced equality will do nothing for society other than create stagnation. To avoid this, the use of Stanton’s ideals on equality and individuality should be implemented. Understanding that humans are created with the same equal rights and their differences will help maintain individuality even while maintaining equality for those involved. Individuality has been graciously given to us since our very creation by God. “So God created man in his own, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (English Standard Version, 2001, Gen. 2:7). God made us in the image of himself and gave us the ability to live freely and uniquely. However, this verse also emphasizes our equality as well. God made man and woman together and tasked them to live together as equal entities with differing duties. This equality should not trump the idea that we were created as unique individuals who have a variety of differences that challenge our equality but do not overshadow
At this early stage of life all Equality 7-2521 knows of is a life of collectivism. Ever since Equality’s childhood he has struggled to blend into the rest of his society. “We strive to be like all our brother men, for all men must be alike.... We are one in all and all in one.
In the “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions” (1848) a speech given by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leader in the “American women’s rights movement”, she states that “All men and women are created equal ” (98). She conveys this message by alluding to the Declaration of Independence, she says the rights of men, but yet again makes it so it’s men and women for the same rights, she also uses repetition of saying “he” just like Jefferson used “he”, but Stanton is referring to the American men’s abuses towards women, for example, “he has taken from her all right in property, … He has made her, morally, an irresponsible being” (99). She tells us this speech in order to open our eyes and see how the way they were living wasn’t
She wanted to start this process by stopping the cruel punishments and discrimination of women. At the beginning of the speech Stanton states “ We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal: that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable right;
In the short story, “Harrison Bergeron”, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. explores what might happen in the not-so-distant future. In 2081, everyone is finally equal and no one is any smarter, better looking, or stronger than anyone else. Equality could be seen as a way to solve the constant competitiveness, as is human nature. Others might say that it stops wars, and makes it so humanity can get along. However, “Harrison Bergeron” shows that equality isn't all it's cracked up to be by discussing the ways equality might oppress natural human nature rather than cause peace, and this idea is demonstrated throughout via the characters in the story.
Women and men should emphasize their opinions not be unequal due to if one is a feminine or masculine. It is an irrelevance. Stanton’s diction and logos throughout the “Declaration of Sentiments” overall serves as an argument to convey the inequity in the society based on one’s
Equality-72521. With an inquisitive nature, an innovative mind, and latent desire, Equality withholds the traits of a visionary who advocates for individuality. Every step Equality takes, is one away from the public-spirited system. Another towards personal identity. Each step is an internal struggle, due to the communist machine’s brainwash and eloquent reprogram of Equality’s instinctive mind.
Equality also expresses his pleasure in the Science of Things as he creates electricity. Slowly, Equality begins to do whatever will bring him pleasure and happiness, and according to the author, a country is based on “a man’s right to the pursuit of happiness. His own happiness” (Soul of an Individualist 38). Equality displays his integrity as he is true to his principles and beliefs. He realizes that no society can be collectivist without depriving individuals of basic rights, conforming to Ayn Rand’s beliefs: “There is no such thing as a collective brain…collective thought” (Soul of an Individualist 9).
There are no men but only the great We, One, indivisible and forever” (19). This is the single thought behind Equality’s society. From the earliest age, all people are taught that they are nothing alone, and exist only to serve each other. The leaders of the society are known as the council. This group of scholars makes all of the rules for the people.
Aristotle's assertions that the worst form of inequality Is to make unequal things equal is correct because forcing people to be the same in all ways can lead to restricting people to accomplish their full potential, People are also able to combine their unique talents for the betterment of all and are not restricted by everyone being the same limiting their abilities. To begin, the ability of people to be different allows them to use their minds in different ways and have the freedom to create and discover new things. In Ayn Rand's book Anthem, the protagonist of the book Equality 7-2521 lives in a world of equality where no one is allowed to be alone or explore their brains. Equality having a more Kean brain than the others starts to explore
Elizabeth Cady Stanton wants to persuade her audience that women have as much equal rights as men or any other person
In the beginning, The word “Equality” is the most important word in the community because the society doesn’t want anybody being different or having a different
Stanton states, “When the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man” (Stanton 1). Stanton used this line to start her declaration as Thomas Jefferson used it in the first line of the Declaration of Independence. Using such a well trusted piece of writing that helped shaped the United States increases her credibility which helps her case in her argument. Another point in Stanton’s view, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: in that all men and women are created equal” (Stanton 1). This line starts the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, but Stanton added in “women” instead of just “men”.
Stanton uses ethos, or ethics, in her speech to justify her character and credibility. Elizabeth Cady Stanton indicates in her speech that women and men were made as equals. In order to recognize this equivalence between sexes, Stanton shows that women and men were “naturally” made to balance each other and share equal power (Stanton). God is portrayed supporting the rights of women as well. In a male dominated world, all the conflicts that are formed as seen as disagreements with the “higher law written by the finger of God” (Stanton).
Men are only meant to serve the collective. This made it difficult for Equality to be himself because he had no worth as an individual. “It is only our brother men who matter. Give no thought to us, for we are nothing,” (Rand 70) The provided characterization shows Equality’s intent.
Many women wanted to step out and make a difference but they were scared. In the beginning of “The Declaration of Sentiments” Stanton put forth that no one should be treated differently, god did not put men to take charge over women. Men and women were created equally and should treat one another as just. The government has fail to help this matter so the women have to stand up on their own and do something about the inequality amongst women and men. Stanton stated in her Declaration that the government is castrated by men and men along.