Women vindicated

Jim MackFeminist-in-TrainingTo render women truly useful members of society, I argue that they should be led, by having their understandings cultivated on a large scale, to acquire a rational affection for their country, founded on knowledge, because it is obvious that we are little interested about what we do not understand. That women at present are by ignorance rendered foolish or vicious, is, I think, not to be disputed. That the most salutary effects tending to improve mankind might be expected from a REVOLUTION in female manners, appears, at least, with a face of probability, to rise out of the observation. Contending, therefore, that the sexual distinction which men have so warmly insisted upon, is arbitrary, I have dwelt on an observation, that several sensible men, with whom I have conversed on the subject, allowed to be well founded. It is simply this, that the little chastity to be found amongst men, and consequent disregard of modesty, tend to degrade both sexes. Further, that the modesty of women, characterized as such, will often be only the artful veil of wantonness instead of being the natural reflection of purity, till modesty be universally respected. From the tyranny of man, I firmly believe, the greater number of female follies proceed. The cunning, which I allow makes at present a part of their character, I likewise have repeatedly endeavored to prove, is produced by oppression. Let woman share the rights and she will emulate the virtues of man – for she must grow more perfect when emancipated, or justify the authority that chains such a weak being to her duty. If the latter, it will be expedient to open a fresh trade with Russia for whips, a present which a father should always make to his son-in-law on his wedding day, that a husband may keep his whole family in order by the same means. Without any violation of justice reign, wielding this scepter, sole master of his house, because he is the only being in it who has reason – the divine, indefeasible earthly sovereignty breathed into man by the Master of the universe. Allowing this position, women have not any inherent rights to claim, and by the same rule, their duties vanish, for rights and duties are inseparable. Be just then, O ye men of understanding! Mark not more severely what women do amiss, than the vicious tricks of the horse or the ass for whom ye provide provender – and allow her the privileges of ignorance, to whom ye deny the rights of reason, or ye will be worse than Egyptian task-masters, expecting virtue where nature has not given understanding! Unless you like Soviet breadlines, don’t write back.