28 pages 56 minutes read

Shirley Chisholm

For the Equal Rights Amendment

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1970

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Essay Topics

1.

What does Chisholm mean when she says, “Prejudice on the basis of race is, at least, under systemic attack” (Paragraph 2)? Do you think that Chisholm would still agree with the claim if she were alive in today’s society? Why or why not?

2.

Since 1970, there have been major shifts in how gender roles for men and women are defined in American society. Share some examples of the most significant changes, drawing comparisons to Chisholm’s examples in the speech. What are some changes to gender roles that Chisholm might not have anticipated at the time of this speech? What changes did Chisholm’s argument predict?

3.

Chisholm’s audience for this speech was made up of primarily white men. In what ways do you think she specifically tailored her argument to this audience? Use examples from the text to support your answer.