AN AGE-OLD PHILOSOPHY
Treat others how you want to be treated. At least that's the Christian/general principle. It's so basic, so commonplace that even kindergartners know the saying. You wouldn't want someone to steal your toys, so don't steal other people's toys. It's just how good people act; we respect other people's feelings and try to empathize with them.
Well, apparently, the rule isn't as easy to follow as it is to repeat. "Do as I say and not as I do" is apparent with this rule. The revolutionary men didn't treat the women with the respect they demanded from the British. They, hypocritically, didn't give the women the voting rights and representation that the homeland denied them. Even in the letters between John and Abigail, the idea Abigail mentioned was completely disregarded in lieu of the "more important" aspects of war. Although there were more pressing tasks at hand, when it came time to "remember the ladies," the men were suddenly amnesiacs.
That's just one historic instance of the rule being ignored, but now, it's absence is more present than ever. With the animosity that internet platforms provide, it's all the more simple to act without personal consequence. In this time of interconnectedness where you can feel insignificant in a sea of people, it's easy to forget that behind each profile is a person. Although healthy discussion and disagreement is more than necessary in the convoluted times we live in, personal attacks and doxing are very infrequently suitable punishments for somebody's internet "crime."
It's more than easy to live life self-centered and attack everyone who doesn't agree with your views, but is that how you'd like to be treated? Even more importantly, are you making a positive impact? Sometimes, it's worthwhile to channel our elementary years and remember this important ideal, one that's essential to civilized life. If it's been repeated for centuries, the philosophy must have some merit, right?
Well, apparently, the rule isn't as easy to follow as it is to repeat. "Do as I say and not as I do" is apparent with this rule. The revolutionary men didn't treat the women with the respect they demanded from the British. They, hypocritically, didn't give the women the voting rights and representation that the homeland denied them. Even in the letters between John and Abigail, the idea Abigail mentioned was completely disregarded in lieu of the "more important" aspects of war. Although there were more pressing tasks at hand, when it came time to "remember the ladies," the men were suddenly amnesiacs.
That's just one historic instance of the rule being ignored, but now, it's absence is more present than ever. With the animosity that internet platforms provide, it's all the more simple to act without personal consequence. In this time of interconnectedness where you can feel insignificant in a sea of people, it's easy to forget that behind each profile is a person. Although healthy discussion and disagreement is more than necessary in the convoluted times we live in, personal attacks and doxing are very infrequently suitable punishments for somebody's internet "crime."
It's more than easy to live life self-centered and attack everyone who doesn't agree with your views, but is that how you'd like to be treated? Even more importantly, are you making a positive impact? Sometimes, it's worthwhile to channel our elementary years and remember this important ideal, one that's essential to civilized life. If it's been repeated for centuries, the philosophy must have some merit, right?
I enjoyed your intro to this, it opened the post very nicely. I agree that the Founding Fathers, even the name shows the gender inequality with “Fathers”, should have granted women more rights. I am curious about what you think about women’s rights in todays day and age and how Abigail Adams would feel about women in today’s society. Do you think she would be proud of the progress made or angry that more rights have not been granted?
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