American history- not centuries in the past, topics addressed in our Social Studies books, but within our lifetimes. Some examples can clearly show changes can be made- that people do not have to settle for 'This is the way it is.'
In no particular order:
Although I'd seen vague references to this long ago, I was still totally stunned to read that until the late 1970s, beating one's wife was not a crime, raping one's wife was not a crime, and, in addition, these acts were not grounds for divorce.
In 1994, the first Violence Against Women Act was passed- yet it was opposed, primarily by 'conservative christians and right-wing politicians.'
In 1967, the United States Supreme Court invalidated laws that prohibited interracial marriage. Prior to this landmark decision, there were states in which individuals/couples could actually be arrested and jailed for marrying outside their race. In such states, interracial marriages that did occur were not considered valid.
Until 1971, an eighteen-year-old male could be drafted into the US military, yet did not have the right to vote. There were other adult rights he did not have, also, such as marrying without parental consent.
A poster I observed in a factory in the late 1960s stated minimum wage for men was slightly higher than minimum wage for women. When I asked what the reason was, I was told 'men usually have families to support.' Unmarried women and divorced women were definitely at a disadvantage.
While racial segregation in public schools was officially outlawed before I was born, other forms of segregation and discrimination continued to remain legal. It was not until 1964 that public facilities and the workplace were covered, and fair housing laws did not come into practice until 1968.
All of these changes occurred within my lifetime. They are proof that we need not- and should not- settle for wrongs, that changes can be made.
In no particular order:
Although I'd seen vague references to this long ago, I was still totally stunned to read that until the late 1970s, beating one's wife was not a crime, raping one's wife was not a crime, and, in addition, these acts were not grounds for divorce.
In 1994, the first Violence Against Women Act was passed- yet it was opposed, primarily by 'conservative christians and right-wing politicians.'
In 1967, the United States Supreme Court invalidated laws that prohibited interracial marriage. Prior to this landmark decision, there were states in which individuals/couples could actually be arrested and jailed for marrying outside their race. In such states, interracial marriages that did occur were not considered valid.
Until 1971, an eighteen-year-old male could be drafted into the US military, yet did not have the right to vote. There were other adult rights he did not have, also, such as marrying without parental consent.
A poster I observed in a factory in the late 1960s stated minimum wage for men was slightly higher than minimum wage for women. When I asked what the reason was, I was told 'men usually have families to support.' Unmarried women and divorced women were definitely at a disadvantage.
While racial segregation in public schools was officially outlawed before I was born, other forms of segregation and discrimination continued to remain legal. It was not until 1964 that public facilities and the workplace were covered, and fair housing laws did not come into practice until 1968.
All of these changes occurred within my lifetime. They are proof that we need not- and should not- settle for wrongs, that changes can be made.