Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman" is one of the greatest speeches in American rhetoric
Sojourner Truths Aint I a Woman is one of the greatest speeches in American rhetoric
By Constance Grady at Vox
https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/2/1/18206645/celebrating-sojourner-truth-google-doodle-aint-i-a-woman
"SNIP....
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And aint I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And aint I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And aint I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mothers grief, none but Jesus heard me! And aint I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; whats this they call it? [member of audience whispers, intellect] Thats it, honey. Whats that got to do with womens rights or negroes rights? If my cup wont hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldnt you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women cant have as much rights as men, cause Christ wasnt a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
.....SNIP"