Question to Ponder #1 – “The Vote”

Following the one hundredth anniversary of the ratification of women’s suffrage in August, PBS aired one of their documentaries titled “The Vote” in honor of this great achievement in history. I had the privilege of watching a partial screening of this documentary with various Penn State University faculty members and some of my fellow students, as well. After viewing this film and watching the faculty discussion on matters related to the documentary, voting, and women’s suffrage specifically, I learned that there is so much more to historical events than can be seen in a short video or even be taught in a classroom. My knowledge of the women’s suffrage movement was broadened in many ways, however, the major takeaways of mine from this viewing consist of the racially driven restrictions, women’s rights essentially being taken away, and the incredible effect of these protests.

In watching this documentary, I first learned that some of the foremost leaders of the women’s suffrage movement were black women, although I did not find that to be surprising. What was unfortunate was that these women would be barred from taking a stance next to their white counterparts during certain approved, public protests. I, personally, did not know that someone could be banned from participating in a protest. Of course this was a different time filled with much hatred towards black people, but nevertheless I was still shocked. I believe that there would be no consequential purpose behind this barring due to the fact that these women were still a part of the movement.

The second takeaway of mine was that many of these women were fighting for a right they already had, just across the United States in the West. I had not known that women were granted the right to vote in many western states prior to the 19th amendment. In coming across the country, women had lost a crucial right of their’s simply by moving to another state. We see this issue constantly today with state laws regarding women’s reproductive right and I believe it to be ridiculous.

My final major takeaway from “The Vote” is of the unforeseen purpose and impact of the main protest of the documentary. Women set out to show that they are not afraid to fight for their rights, even while marching through a suffocating and violent crowd of hateful men. The women’s parade fir their rights and the violence they received caught the attention of the news and eventually the government was forced to take a real look into this issue. Unfortunately, had it not been for such a scary scene, women’s suffrage may not have been achieved until years and years later.

As a feminist, I found this documentary to be inspiring. I always enjoy getting to learn more and more about the women who came before me and fought for our rights. This documentary increased my belief of the strength in women and I look forward to watching it in its entirety soon.