Sojourner Truth And Jessa Crispin's Ain T I A Woman

Gender has a heavy impact on society. The topic of gender in society shows a person’s attitude as well as the separation of individuals. In the essays Ain’t I a Woman by Sojourner Truth and Women Don’t Have to be Feminists by Jessa Crispin both authors show a separation occurring in society due to gender. In the essay Being a Man by Paul Theroux, the author writes about the difference in attitude as a man.

The discussion of gender has detached many individuals from society. Gender roles and stereotypes have separated those in society based on characteristics of their gender. These stereotypes have caused individuals to choose sides, as well as influence how society views certain people. In the essay Ain’t I a Woman by Sojourner Truth the author

And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well!” (1). This proves that gender roles divide individuals by what society believes women are capable of. It also allows access to racial discrimination, as well as gender discrimination. Truth also writes “What’s that got to do with women’s rights or Negro*s’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?” (1)This demonstrates the separation of individuals due to gender. Truth explains that there is a separation between white women and black women of that time, black women being more discriminated against than white women. In the essay Women Don’t Have to be Feminists by Jessa Crispin, the author explains “There is a tendency to look at women who have rejected feminism and decide

It can impact how a person treats others, shaping an attitude towards society. In the essay Being A Man by Paul Theroux, the author writes “This version of masculinity is a little like having to wear an ill-fitting coat for one’s entire life (By contrast, I imagine femininity to be an oppressive sense of nakedness).” (2). This explains that the author is uncomfortable with the roles aligned with being a man. The tense feelings towards gender roles allows a person's attitude to change based on how they feel, creating a certain outlook on society. The author also states “Man means ‘manly’-how can one think of men without considering the terrible ambition of manliness? And yet it is part of every man’s life. It is a hideous and crippling lie; It not only insists on difference and connives at superiority, it is also by its very true nature destructive–emotionally damaging and socially harmful.” (Theroux 1). Theroux explains that the role of men in society is inherently toxic and shows superiority. This is socially harmful, damaging an individual's life and pushing a negative attitude towards gender. This verifies the author's main message that gender roles influence a person's view of