The Declaration of Indepe... Sentiments

               Elizabeth Cady Stanton's Declaration of Sentiments was extremely effect in sending its message by mimicking the structure of Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. Jefferson began by introducing the beliefs, values, and rights of the American people. Then he clearly listed how those rights were being challenged by the British crown. He concluded his piece by stating what the American people are liberated from British control. Following this structure Stanton first states the rights of women, then she lists how those rights have been violated by men, and finally insists that their rights be returned. Stanton directly links her declaration to Jeffersons' by uses direct quotes from his work such as "when in the course of human events" and "we hold these truths to be self-evident". Stanton also mentions the inalienable rights of the people and that if the government interferes with their "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" then the people must insist on a new government. Stanton is exercising this right through her declaration.

               While Stanton uses many go Jefferson's ideas Jefferson's piece has a much more official tone. The Declaration of Independence was an important government document therefore its tone is very formal. In contrast Stanton uses the elements of the Declaration of Independence in an more mocking tone. She uses it connect the liberation of the colonies from the British to the liberation of women from men. Using the declaration as her model draws the attention of men in particular and makes it harder for them to criticize her argument.
               Both declarations state their grievances against groups they feel oppressed by. However the grievances made by Thomas Jefferson were resolved once the colonies broke ties with the British. The American's suppression came to an end when they became an independent country. Some of Stanton's grievances were resolved by women's suffrage. However many of her grievances are still accurate in today's society. 

"He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, she receives but a scanty remuneration." 

               Still today women are still not paid the same wages as men. Women of color are paid even less. Equal wages is an issue that is being fought for especially through today's media. One of the main fights in feminist movement is for equal wages for everyone.

"He has created a false public sentiment, by giving to the world a different code of morals for men and women, by which moral delinquencies, which exclude women from society, are not only tolerated but deemed of little account in man."

"He has endeavored, in every way that he could to destroy her confidence in her own powers, to lessen her self-respect, and to make her willing to lead a dependent and abject life."

             When women in today's society act as men do they are seen as inferior. Many men objectify women and make them feel as if they life for men. When women are independent and or as sexually active as men are they are seen as unclean and undesirable. Women are not allowed to stand up for themselves without being seen badly. 

             The Declaration of Independence solved the issues of the colonists but the Declaration of Sentiments has still not been completely resolved.