For the Equal Rights Amendment

Since 1970, there have been major shifts in how gender roles for men and women are defined in American society. Share some examples of the most significant changes, drawing comparisons to Chisholm’s examples in the speech. What are some changes to gender roles that Chisholm might not have anticipated at the time of this speech? What changes did Chisholm’s argument predict?

Chisholm’s audience for this speech was made up of primarily white men. In what ways do you think she specifically tailored her argument to this audience? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Although the Equal Rights Amendment was approved by Congress, it was not ratified by enough states in time to become law. Research the counterarguments and tactics that opponents of the ERA used against Chisholm’s claims. Why do you think these opponents were ultimately successful in stalling support for the amendment?

Discuss Chisholm’s use of rhetorical questions throughout her speech. What is the impact of these questions on her overall rhetorical strategy? Do you think they are effective in supporting her overall purpose? Why or why not?

Chisholm uses many examples of sex-based discrimination to support her argument for passing the Equal Rights Amendment, including prejudice in the military, workplace, universities, and more. Which example from the speech do you think is the most persuasive, and why?

Near the end of her speech, Chisholm says that “there were no black Founding Fathers, there were no founding mothers—a great pity, on both counts” (Paragraph 23). What does she mean by this statement, and why does she include it? How does it contribute to her overall purpose?

Chisholm ends her speech with a quote by Leo Kanowitz. Review the quote and explain why you think she selected this particular message to conclude her speech. How does it support other claims she presents throughout the text? What impact do you think it had on her audience? Support your claims with evidence from the text.

Chisholm grew up in a working-class, immigrant family in Barbados and later Brooklyn, New York. In what ways do you think her racial and economic background influenced the perspectives she shares in this speech?