Heroes of today don’t need fancy costumes, flashy sidekicks, or sinister enemies bent on destroying the world. They don’t need to have amazing superpowers or uncanny physical abilities. A hero can be anyone, old or young, big or small. A hero could be the person across the street, a driver in their car, a friendly face in the hallway. To be a hero, a person has to have a strong determination to do the right thing. They have to be willing to fight for the rights of others, and not just of themselves. They have to be able to see something that is wrong, and are willing to take the steps towards fixing the problem, regardless of the obstacles. Someone like Susan B. Anthony, who fought for women’s rights, is that kind of person, and is my hero.
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Susan B. Anthony Side Profile (Internet) |
Born in West Grove, Massachusetts on February 15, 1820, Susan Brownell Anthony was the second of seven children. Her father, Daniel Anthony was a Quaker abolitionist, and her mother, Lucy Anthony, attended women’s rights seminars. Her early childhood was spent at a group school taught by a progressive-minded female teacher. All around her were open-minded, progressive people who helped to instill the beliefs of equality in Susan’s mind. Her educational career was cut short when her family almost lost everything during the Panic of 1837. At 16 years old, Susan B. Anthony began her fight against oppression by gathering 2 boxes full of petitions signed against the practice of slavery. At my age, she wasn’t afraid to stand up and fight for what she believed was the right thing, which is very inspiring to me. At 29, she became Secretary of Daughters of Temperance, which was an organization of women fighting against alcohol abuse. No matter what cause Susan participated in, she gave her full devotion to the cause, and became an active member in organizations that were trying to help society. Being able to devote herself fully to obtaining the rights for others, even at a time when women were not as respected as they are now, is extremely admirable and one of the reasons why she is my hero.
Although she was an active participant in many organizations, Susan B. Anthony is most known for playing a key role in the women’s rights movement. The first real milestone in this journey happened on January 1, 1868, when she published a weekly journal called The Revolution. The purpose of the journal was to encourage the fight for women and African American rights. However, the Journal also touched on topics such as equal pay for equal work, the church’s position on women’s rights, and more liberal views on divorce. This journal was created by Susan and edited by a fellow suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Susan B. Anthony was not afraid to publish her beliefs and views on society, and not afraid of those who disagreed with her publications. She stood up for rights not only through actions, but through words as well, which really is inspiring to someone like me who loves writing.
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National Womens Suffrage Association Banner (Internet) |
With the creation of the 15th amendment, which was added to the Constitution granting suffrage to African Americans but not to women, Susan B. Anthony began to focus solely on women’s rights. In 1896, she organized the National Women’s Suffrage Association with her friend Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and became president of the organization in 1892. Through this organization, Susan encouraged women to protest against discrimination based on gender through the use of news print, demonstration, and involvement in many different corporations where women were being treated unequally. She later died of heart disease and pneumonia on March 13, 1906, leaving behind her a legacy that led to the creation of the 19th amendment in the constitution.
Through her involvement and passion for women’s rights, Susan B. Anthony was able to organize and unite women of America to stand up and fight for their rights as people too. She was willing to branch out from what society dictated as appropriate, and push the limits for her cause. She wasn’t afraid to step outside of conformed society to fight for those who thought that they didn’t have a significant voice in America. Her fight for rights of those without her entire life is inspirational, and that is why Susan B. Anthony is my hero.
Page created on 12/11/2009 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 12/11/2009 12:00:00 AM