Renaissance: Rebirth of Suffrage

A Renaissance is a great revival, often of art, literature, and learning. It was the European Renaissance that marked the transition from the dark days of the medieval age into the modern world. Figures such as William Shakespeare, Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo have led us into a modern world in which the idea of social submergence has become a reoccurring theme around the world, especially in the United States.

American Renaissance began with the American Revolution in which the lowly colonists re-found their sense of common identity and pride which they created in Virginia before the early settlers dispersed; a pride that would tie them to their newly acquired land. Then, when slavery, one of the most venomous institutions of American history, divided this nation, a victory by the Union Army would bring to our nation a revival of a concept alluded to by their name—unity. Continuing the radical trend, there was a movement by people of color for the Civil Rights of all people; a rebirth of the type of revolution in which the country was founded.

Yet, before the ballet or the bullet and the seeing of the mountaintop, women stood up. They told a nation they could do the same jobs, handle the same amount of responsibility, and lead the household just as men did. However, just as the African-Americans’ struggle was not wiped away with the stroke of a pen, women’s suffrage was an issue left somewhat unresolved. And, due to a conversation I recently had with a friend, I’ve decided to address this issue, and hopefully you’ll address it with me.

My friend suggested to me, “[since] you [are] all about the revolution and social change we can do this one “sista” at a time”. The Renaissance he was advocating for is the rebirth of women only taking on domestic roles. After all, do we really need women in corporate America, the academy, science, medicine, and sports? Someone who will remain nameless says, “No, women sports in general suck. They should spend that time in the kitchen learning how to cook. All [of] these non-cooking females out here is a shame”. Outlining a strategy for this Renaissance, he laments, “They should make home-economics a required class for graduation at Spelman. Every woman should have a seven dish rotation with two special-occasion dishes”. He believes, “teaching women how to cook will lead to more successful marriage rates”.

What is suggested is definitely a Renaissance—a rebirth of the traditional female role. Yet, is this a social change, or the suppression of one? Being radical enough to speak out on the development of such a movement, is this a revolution that this individual is interested in starting? Considering the characteristics of our generation—love affairs with internet social sites, constant media messaging, virtual interaction, and instant gratification, is the future of male-female relationships and unified domestic life in need of/heading towards a Renaissance? I know one person who agrees. What do you think? Be a part of the SOLUTION.

By OxyJon