Give Me Equal Pay or Give Me Death
No man thinks highly of a woman’s role, as well as her competence, in society. But different men often see women in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it not be in a disrespectful manner towards those women. This is no time for inequality. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through the fear of giving offence, I should consider my word contradictory.
Mr. President, it is natural for men to indulge themselves in the presence of a woman. We as women, have to shut our eyes and ignore this obscenity, and endure wise cat-calls. Are we supposed to be like the number of those who, having eyes, see not, having ears, hear not, having a voice, speak not against this cruel harassment? No, and for my part, at whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to speak against this and more.
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. And judging by the past, not only have women been mistreated fairly by their husbands or fathers or brothers, but also by the government.
I ask, Mr. President, why must we earn less than men? Can you give us any motive for it? What have men, in this quarter of the world, done to receive a higher pay than women? During previous wars, when our men were fighting and protecting, who provided the supplies needed for such protection? We have held this subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has all been ignored. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have protested before the House. Our petitions for higher pay have been slighted; our remonstrances have been insulted. Some might say that there is no longer any room for hope. But I say, there is, and we shall prove ourselves capable by doing things a man does.
They tell us, Mr. President, that we are weak; unable to cope with such an exhausting amount of labor. Let me remind you that the same people who claim such things, are unable to withstand the cries of a baby. Instead of making us wait till the next day, or the next year, why not start today in taking the first step towards equality. Women cry, Equality, Equality- but is hasn’t been promised. I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me equal pay, or give me death!
Parody by: Hayde Montoya and Brian Gyamfi
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