tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577147026946048956.post5775444270144128846..comments2023-11-12T18:56:48.361-05:00Comments on The Comma Goddess Speaks: Musings on Life's Joys & Vexations: Not-So-Gentle RemindersJayne Jaudon Ferrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09208478365348912235noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5577147026946048956.post-52592973660407553522008-09-23T19:39:00.000-04:002008-09-23T19:39:00.000-04:00Hey Mrs. Ferrer!As a women's studies major, I am i...Hey Mrs. Ferrer!<BR/><BR/>As a women's studies major, I am interested in expanding upon your definitions of suffragette and suffragist. As you know, we American women got a bit of a jump-start from our British sisters in the fight for the vote. They began lobbying for the right before we did, and so many of the methods and logical arguments the American first-wavers used came directly from the Brits. The term "suffragette" was actually a term applied derogatorily to the British ladies (by the media, no less) as a bastardization of the more respectable "suffragist". Also, you're right--the word was used to signify more militant advocates, who the opposition sought the silence and undermine. However, in true feminist form, the British women claimed the term as a positive one (similar to modern-day third-wave reclamations of words like "bitch"). The use of the term as a pejorative stereotype crossed the sea with the movement, as a feminization of any word made it easier to discount the person or thing it was applied to. So there we have it! We third-wavers (my generation) tend to forget how hard those women fought so that we could have our say as citizens--but not me! I'll surely be a proud voter this November; I am excited to vote in my first presidential election! For a stunning re-enactment of the American women's fight for suffrage, check out the movie "Iron Jawed Angels". It is amazing. It features Hillary Swank as Alice Paul, and she rocks it! It is heartbreaking and empowering...a must see for sure!<BR/><BR/>Happy Fall!<BR/>JennaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com