“It is not history which uses men as a means of achieving - as if it were an individual person - its own ends. History is nothing but the activity of men in pursuit of their ends.” -Karl Marx
History is a turbulent and progressive river of knowledge, flowing from the past and thrusting us into the future. Marx himself knew the inherent value of history when he analyzed social progress. But some of Marx’s words, such as “Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex,” hint at something else even more important, and more tied to the present day than ever before: Social Progress is dependent upon gender equality. In today’s hot political climate regarding women’s’ rights and the rights of the LGBT community, Marx’s words couldn’t seem more true.
As Barack Obama and Vice President Biden embark on their personal political battle against the Republican Party, they open up the debate with a direct reference to progress through equality. It is almost certain that issues of women’s equality and LGBT equality will be at the center of this year’s American general election. Why should people be engaged? Why should people be concerned? Because as history as taught us, the progress of present society is dependent upon the variables which dictate equality.
On Wednesday, May 9th, the balance of ‘progress’ was defined for the remainder of 2012. When President Obama backed up the statements made by Vice President Biden, he made it clear which side of progress he was on. "Every little bit of positive energy we can get, this community should take," he said. Commentators on both sides of American politics have taken to the stage to suggest that the President is trying to stand up as a leader, and stand up for what he feels is justice. A more accurate observation however, would be to note the President’s endorsement of progress; the social movement toward the destination of justice. Progress is what brings us justice. Justice is not some isolated individual beaten down by the thugs of oppression, waiting to be liberated; it is the due compensation to those for being oppressed. It is the debt to be paid by those who denied the natural progression of social development. The rights and treatment of women, as well as LGBT individuals, is most certainly defined within this scope of progress as is made clear by Marx’s statement.
Some of America’s most famous pushes for social justice were in fact sparked by women; Abigail Adams and her letters and opinions on the rights of individuals within a society, Jane Aadams the founder of Hull House, Eleanor Roosevelt who ushered in the roles of an active First Lady, and countless average Americans like Dorothy Ray Healey who worked tirelessly for their convictions to support social justice and equality within their communities. We sometimes forget to stop and think about these Americans and more importantly the fact that they are women fighting for progress. Too often are we accustomed to the notion of progress being defined by great men; men like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. To understand progress however through the actions and words of the male gender is only to understand one half of it. Gender equality is progress because it ferments solidarity. It usurps tensions and emotions meant to be felt by living beings. It breaks down barriers and builds bridges. It has never once stood in opposition to the needs of the majority, especially since the majority is one half women!
The LGBT community likewise serves as a modern example of a group which people like Marx may not have been able to comment on in their day. If social equality is juxtaposed between the equality of man and woman, where then does the equality of gays and lesbians fit? While homosexuality may not have been socially acceptable enough at the time to be discussed by political and philosophical thinkers of the 18th and 19th centuries, we can still recognize that social equality itself is not bound to one gender identity, and thus is not bound to any one sexual identity. As such, the social equality of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals is equally important to the social equality and the rights of women in the 21st century. If we are to consider ourselves those who embrace progress, then we should embrace the LGBT community.
Americans have to ask themselves if they seriously find themselves on the side of progress, and they should not be afraid of their convictions. Some Americans will find that they are against progress; held back by reservations on religion or institutionalized morality. The majority of Americans however will most likely find themselves on the side of progress, embracing the future and unafraid of social equality. Just as Americans in the past fought for the debate, we too should fight for its continued debate. The rights of women and the LGBT community can no longer be pushed aside to discussion, it is time to accept the inherent value of gender equality to social progress and push forward the rights of others to choose their own destinies. The time to make history is now. The time to make progress, is here.
Progress Through Equality
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wonderful! bravo Josh!
Posted by Caroline, 05/24/2012 5:28pm (12 years ago)
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