ERA essay

When the ERA was originally proposed in 1972, it was meant to grant equal
rights to women. More specifically, the ERA would make it illegal to discriminate based
on gender. Although gender discrimination is illegal in regards to hiring women still
occupy most of the jobs traditionally aimed at women. Pornography, a choice made by
women, is debunked as oppression. This is why a new and abridged ERA needs to be
ratified. The original ERA was popular at first, and the movement gained momentum.
From 1972-1977, 35 states ratified the amendment. However, many people opposed it.
One of the most influential oppositionists was Phyllis Schlafly. Schlafly was very well
educated, and incredibly charismatic, this earned her a large following. Schlafly glorified
the roles of the traditional American woman, saying A woman should have the right to
be in the home as a wife and mother. ("Phyllis Schlafly Quotes.") She viewed the ERA
as highly detrimental to families and the U. S. as a whole. ("Stop ERA: Phyllis
Schlafly's Campaign Against Women's Equality.") Schlafly also talked about the dangers
of un-exempting women from the draft, she publically stated that women weren't suited
for combat in any way. Partially because of Schlafly, the ratification deadline passed and
the ERA was never put into effect. Today, things are very different. Women are
encouraged to get a good education and a job. A Lot has changed for the better, it is no
longer legal to segregate based on gender, race, or religion. Women are encouraged to do
what they want, and aren't confined to living life at home in the kitchen. More women are
delaying marriage, as education is taking priority, and some even delaying pregnancy,
Nearly one in five women age 40-44 have never had a child. ("Men vs. Women: A
Look at How Life Has Changed for Women over the Last Few Decades.") Although
women have much more freedom now, they are still oppressed by a few things, one of the

biggest controversial oppressors is pornography. Many still believe the pornography is

oppression and used to keep women in their place. However, pornography is purely for
entertainment purposes. 99% of pornography is consentual, and pornagraphic models
arent obligated to go out of their comfort zone, directors make sure they only work with
people who want to perform in erotic films. ("Porn Made for Women, by Women.")
There are also male pornographic models, and the material produced could be aimed at
males or females. An actual problem among women is the lack of variety in women's
jobs. Since 1970, women continue to be overwhelmingly employed in traditional women
jobs, they make up 96.3% of dental assistants, 95.9% of secretaries, and 91.2% of
registered nurses. This is partially due to culture, and the fact that these jobs seem easier
to reach for women, as they are derogatorily performed by women. A new ERA could
help ease some confusion about what is ok and what isnt, it could also help to get women
into different fields besides those traditionally aimed at women. A new and abridged ERA
would hopefully bring total equality for women, once and for all.

Works Cited:
"Stop ERA: Phyllis Schlafly's Campaign Against Women's Equality." About.com
Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2016.

"Phyllis Schlafly Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 16 May 2016.

Baig, Mehroz. "Women in the Workforce: What Changes Have We Made?" The
Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 16 May 2016.
"Men vs. Women: A Look at How Life Has Changed for Women over the Last
Few Decades." DeseretNews.com. N.p., 02 Mar. 2011. Web. 16 May 2016.
May, Catalina. "Porn Made for Women, by Women." The Guardian. Guardian News and
Media, 22 Mar. 2011. Web. 16 May 2016.