BreAnna Brock

Ain't I a woman: This speech for me raises many logical points that even now society seems to in a way disregard. Sojourner Truth speaks of gender inequality and the way that socially there is inequality as well. A part that stuck out to me is when she says "I could work as much, and eat as much as a man-- when i could get it-- and bear the lash as well!! And ain't I a Woman?" This quote makes me think about the constant work that many women put into making their families lives easier. It provokes a feeling of unappreciation towards hard working women. Ms. Truth's speech in general allows me to think of my mom and the constant work that she does making sure that all that our family needs and wants is provided for. She also points out the views that some men have of women as somewhat dainty and helpless by saying "That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere." Truth embraces this view and allows it to make not only her mind stronger but her femininity to become stronger and empowered. Truths message brings to mind Maya Angelou's poem Phenomenal Woman because both of this great women allow adversity to make them stronger as women.

When I Was Growing Up: This for me made me think of my own childhood and the way i felt at times. A part that stuck out for me was ".....I felt dirty. I thought god made white people clean and no matter how much I bathed, I could not change, I could not shed my skin in the gray water." This statement made me think of a story my mom told me about, my mom said that when she was younger because of the way racism was pursued she at one point put bleach in her bath water as a child thinking that it would possibly turn her skin white. Both of these instances makes me sad and really makes me sit back and see just how ignorant the world is. Both women had feelings of difference because of the standards society set for "race"

Lady Lazarus: I had to read this poem at least 3 times to began to understand what Sylvia Plath was talking about. After finally beginning to understand I felt that after reading this i became a little more empored. "Out of the ash, I rise with my red hair, And I eat men like air." Mrs. Plath shows that women are more then what people in general say we are and that we can do things on our own. For me shes saying she doesn't need a man to validate her and that the men better watch out cause nothing and noone can stop her.