Revolution

When considering whether or not today’s society needs a revolution, I found myself immediately thinking about gay rights. Considering all the bills and propositions passed in our lifetime, I would say we are definitely in a sort of revolution or movement to say the least. For example, just a few years ago in 2007, the House of Representatives passed the bill granting equal rights to gay and lesbians in the workplace and just two years ago the Senate voted to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The LBGT community is slowly gaining the freedom and equality they deserve, which I deem as a successful movement. However, in a country where only six out of the fifty states allow same-sex marriages, I can see how a more pronounced revolution would be necessary to achieve total equality faster. Yet, a hastier revolution might trigger violence and animosity in society. Thus, we must ask the question if the slower process reaps more rewards than a full throttle revolution.

Peaceful Change vs. Revolution

I think that revolution is attainable in our culture. I think change can happen without violence but a revolution cannot.Violence is needed in a revolution to attract attention. In the movie, "The Help" African-American maids relay their point of view on the white families they work for. The cruel stories educate people and help the Civil Rights Movement. This peaceful act draws change but would never revolutionize an organized structure.

Revolution?

Do we need a revolution? Not now. Do I think we can revolt without violence? No, probably not. In class we were discussing whether or not it would be possible to have a revolution without violence. Initially I thought, well of course! But as I thought further and as the discussion developed, I realized it would be nearly impossible. The problem with revolutions is the fear of "the man". I think those being revolted against are afraid that we could actually get somewhere and make changes. For example, my thoughts fluttered to all of the occupy movements, specifically the one at UC Davis. There's a horrendous video that shows the drastic measures taken by the police force against a group of students protesting. These students were refusing to move from the path, however causing no harm to anybody. The police took violent action by pepper spraying all involved. Not only was it painful to watch, it was painful to imagine myself in their situation. People around the world stand up for the things they believe in all the time and get punished by "the man" or whomever they are standing against. To launch a full-scale revolution is something that actually frightens me. Take Libya for instance. Last year, the overthrow of the government was something of inspiration, yet I couldn't watch the news reported on it. Things got extremely out of control and I don't think we need anything along those lines at the moment. Our government is doing fine and we can express our liberties just fine. If something drastic changed in the negative direction, maybe then we could CONSIDER a revolution, but I don't see that in the future of the country. We were built on freedom and I don't think anyone would allow the government to become too controlling. It's in the history books.

Unused Rights of Women

The manifesto with which I identified most is the Introduction to the Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstencraft. I found it the most interesting in that it offered small insights to women's responsibility for their role and subsequent treatment in relationships. Wollstencraft initially mentions the dichotomous positions available of "alluring mistress" and "rational wives". She explains that the men would obviously prefer the former and strive to mold women to fill that role. However, the most important point is that the women do not fight it. As women we become comfortable in our roles as temporary lovers, or at least too comfortable to leave. Wollstencraft states is perfectly when she says, "women, intoxicated by the adoration which men, under the influence of their senses, pay them, do not seek to obtain a durable interest in their hearts". Our complacency shows men that we are satisfied with our positions. What right do we have to demand that men hold us of greater value when we show no desire for such and instead continue to devalue ourselves?

Revolution

I believe that a revolution occurs constantly in a world of ours with many different interpretations, cultures, and beliefs. Things change overtime and not everyone agrees with each others ideologies on life; many different groups are formed and different beliefs are adapted. In a world full of so many different views, revolutions are meant to occur at some point in time. And this is a good thing also because if we live exactly the same way as we have in the past, then we cannot make changes to improve our future. Revolutions are meant to introduce new ideas and ways of living to society, and to integrate new ideas and views that can better society. For instance, we cannot live like we did a thousand years ago. We need to adapt to changes that are occurring. These changes are formed through revolutions. So, I believe that revolutions are a constant, everliving process; it is an integral part of society. However, I do not agree that revolutions are most effective when violence is involved. What is the necessity of hurting someone to reach a goal? Why can't it be accomplished another way? But I agree that it is a difficult process to implement a strong effect of a particular revolution idea without using violence; however. it is not impossible. And i believe that what isn't impossible can be accomplished with patience and time. 

Ain't I a Woman?

Of all of the manifestos that we were required to read for class, I identified with Sojourner Truth's more than the others. She writes that she doesn't need to have things done for her for her to be considered a woman. She completes tasks just as well as men do and she "could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it"- she doesn't let someone else's definition of "women" define her, she creates her own definition. As a strong, independent woman, I relate to Sojourner's manifesto. For the majority of my life, I did things for myself, by myself. My gender has nothing to do with the things I've accomplished. I believe that a woman can do anything a man can do. The men in this world wouldn't exist without women; if we are strong enough to bear children we are strong enough to do anything. Sojourner's words drive deep into my soul and if I had to follow a manifesto, I would follow Sojourner's manifesto.

The 10 Commandments

My family and I has always been a heavy, rock hard for Christ since I could remember.. My parents fed us the word as much as they could, so when it is our time to go into the world by ourselves, we would know how to act and portray the word of God to others. In the Bible there are 10 rules that God wants us followers to abide by, they are called the 10 Commandments. Not only do one has to believe in Jesus Christ and know that he died on the cross for our sins to be accepted, we also have to live right and be faithful. These commandments that are listed in the book are guides that help us in our lifetime, in our fleshly stage. By following these rules our lives would be much easier and wouldnt have to worry as much. Many positives outcomes will follow if one just follow his rules. I try my best to abide by the 1o commandments because I want to live a happy, worry free life, and meet my Father in Heaven.