Aspire Quote by Anna Julia Cooper
“... the majority of colored men do not yet think it worth while that women aspire to higher education… The three R's, a littlemusic and a good deal of dancing, a first rate dress-maker and a bottle of magnolia balm, are quite enough generally to render charming any woman possessed of tact and the capacity for worshipping masculinity.”
About This Quote
The quote critiques the limited expectations placed on women, suggesting that superficial attributes and deference to male dominance are deemed sufficient for a woman's social success, while undervaluing intellectual aspirations.
In simple terms: Women are reduced to charm and subservience.
Key Takeaway
True empowerment requires education, not conformity.
Themes
gender roles
education
social expectations
masculinity
cultural critique
Mood
defiant
critical
reflective
Type
social commentary
feminist critique
When to use this quote
- early 20th‑century Black community
- women seeking higher education
- families emphasizing traditional gender norms
Key Concepts
subjugation
appearance vs intellect
social conditioning
Practical Applications
- advocacy for women's academic access
- challenging patriarchal standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How does limiting women's ambitions affect societal progress?
- What alternative values could replace the emphasis on deference?
![“Teach [our girls] that there is a race with special needs which they and only they can help; that the world needs and is already asking for their trained, efficient forces.” quote by Anna Julia Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/13c/anna-julia-cooper-14164_asking_teach-our-girls-that-there-is-a-race-wit_213457.jpg)
![“... [a] girl one day flared out and told the principal "the only mission opening before a girl in his school was to marry one of those candidates [for the ministry]." He said he didn't know but it was. And when at last that same girl announced her desire and intention to go to college it was…” quote by Anna Julia Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8bd/anna-julia-cooper-14164_arcs_a-girl-one-day-flared-out-and-told-the-p_594696.jpg)
