Blog Post #3 - Copeland

Historically and still recognized today, unfortunately, women have been seen as inferior to men. Throughout history, we have seen the power of women and the female body grow. From the late 1700's and prior, women were looked at as equal to prostitutes, infants, and slaves. The idea of male supremacy came from the bible where apparently it says women are second to men. In Susan Zaeske's article she argues the bible was translated incorrectly. As we went into the 1800's and forward to today we have seen women go from having to ask their husbands/fathers for permission to speak to the women's right movement where women began to step away from the traditional ways of the household and started demanding a voice. Historically, public assemblies and audiences were composed of "true citizens" which meant women and anyone of color was not allowed to be there.

As the civil rights and women's rights movement were undergo you could see public space begin to change to something more universal. Minorities or counterpublics, as Warner discussed in his book, were beginning to gain power and a voice. Today, there are still discrepancies when it comes to equality, but it is much less diverse than it was. White men have created a world where they have the power and control to create history and the world as they wanted. Public space consisted of them as did the speakers and public figures. How is one of a counterpublic supposed to voice their opinions when society has been comprised and built for white male supremacy? It was very hard for women to gain their voice, but once they did it changed history for the better. However, though there has been progress and change, there is still an underlying stereotype and status that often is only talked about behind closed doors. If you go to a public speech or assembly you will find a diverse amount of people, but you still may see or feel a sense of white male supremacy. From the beginning of time they have held themselves to a higher standard and some more than others but still expect the same respect they demanded to receive thousands of years ago.