The 2016 Presidential Election has just come to a close, yet the chaos associated with its candidates appears to only be beginning. With one candidate being a woman, and the other having made some unsavory comments about women, female-focused civil rights are at the forefront of America’s mind. Furthermore, terms such as “anti-feminist” and “misogyny” have become synonymous with the controversy regarding the President-elect, Donald Trump. His sexist scandals have called into question if male-chauvinism is a peril associated with the patriarchy of the presidency. One way to examine this premise, is through determining if misogyny has always been an American trend by studying notions expressed by early presidents and the founding fathers. In
…show more content…
Franklin was introduced to Miss Read while taking up residence with her family in Philadelphia as a boarder (Franklin 498). Franklin grew quite fond of her, and “had some Reason to believe she had the same [feelings for him]”. Ultimately, Franklin must have been correct, since the pair began a “Courtship”. Franklin describes his sentiments regarding Read when he states, “I had a great Respect and Affection for her”. Through these comments, it becomes clear that Franklin adored and admired her. While it is possible for a man to love a woman and still exhibit misogynistic qualities, these remarks suggest that Franklin’s feelings extended beyond lust. More than that, he respected her. If Franklin’s words are not enough to corroborate this, his actions were. Specifically, he became involved with Read when they were quite young, “only a little above 18”. Consequently, Read’s mother suggested the pair wait to get married until after Franklin returned from a “long voyage” and was more established in his business ventures. Franklin obliged. His acceptance of this proposal postponement, embodies the respect he held for both Read and her mother, which indicates his leaning away from chauvinism (Franklin 504). Furthermore, following their marriage, Franklin regarded himself as “lucky” to have found a spouse as magnificent as Read, and “complimented her on her frugality and industry” …show more content…
Specifically, Collins serves a symbolic role as a representation of what male views were, and how little opportunity women had at the time. This is evidenced by the fact that the education of women was even considered to be a debatable topic. Franklin and Collins discuss that very idea, and Franklin argues for the inclusion of “the Female Sex in Learning”. Franklin’s sentiment towards this premise further indicates his lack of misogyny, even though he admits that he argued that point “perhaps a little for Dispute sake” (Franklin 489). If his articulation that women should be educated is true, and not merely Franklin playing Devil’s advocate, then this happening is paramount in labeling Franklin as a
Franklin was introduced to Miss Read while taking up residence with her family in Philadelphia as a boarder (Franklin 498). Franklin grew quite fond of her, and “had some Reason to believe she had the same [feelings for him]”. Ultimately, Franklin must have been correct, since the pair began a “Courtship”. Franklin describes his sentiments regarding Read when he states, “I had a great Respect and Affection for her”. Through these comments, it becomes clear that Franklin adored and admired her. While it is possible for a man to love a woman and still exhibit misogynistic qualities, these remarks suggest that Franklin’s feelings extended beyond lust. More than that, he respected her. If Franklin’s words are not enough to corroborate this, his actions were. Specifically, he became involved with Read when they were quite young, “only a little above 18”. Consequently, Read’s mother suggested the pair wait to get married until after Franklin returned from a “long voyage” and was more established in his business ventures. Franklin obliged. His acceptance of this proposal postponement, embodies the respect he held for both Read and her mother, which indicates his leaning away from chauvinism (Franklin 504). Furthermore, following their marriage, Franklin regarded himself as “lucky” to have found a spouse as magnificent as Read, and “complimented her on her frugality and industry” …show more content…
Specifically, Collins serves a symbolic role as a representation of what male views were, and how little opportunity women had at the time. This is evidenced by the fact that the education of women was even considered to be a debatable topic. Franklin and Collins discuss that very idea, and Franklin argues for the inclusion of “the Female Sex in Learning”. Franklin’s sentiment towards this premise further indicates his lack of misogyny, even though he admits that he argued that point “perhaps a little for Dispute sake” (Franklin 489). If his articulation that women should be educated is true, and not merely Franklin playing Devil’s advocate, then this happening is paramount in labeling Franklin as a