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Boys Quote by Elizabeth Cady Stanton

“We should not feel so sorely grieved if no man who had not attained the full stature of a Webster, Clay, Van Buren, or Gerrit Smith could claim the right of the elective franchise. But to have drunkards, idiots, horse-racing, rum-selling rowdies, ignorant foreigners, and silly boys fully…” quote by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
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“We should not feel so sorely grieved if no man who had not attained the full stature of a Webster, Clay, Van Buren, or Gerrit Smith could claim the right of the elective franchise. But to have drunkards, idiots, horse-racing, rum-selling rowdies, ignorant foreigners, and silly boys fully recognized, while we ourselves are thrust out from all the rights that belong to citizens, it is too grossly insulting to the dignity of woman to be longer quietly submitted to.”

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

About This Quote

Source Speech: Women’s Rights Convention, New York, 1869

Excluding women from voting while granting rights to unqualified men is a profound injustice

In simple terms: Denial of voting rights to women is unjust

Key Takeaway

Advocate for universal suffrage

Themes

equality justice political rights

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

activist historical

When to use this quote

  • voting reform
  • civil rights activism
  • public policy debates
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

democracy gender equity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does disenfranchisement affect societal progress?
  • What arguments counter claims of unqualified voters?
A Different Perspective

Opposition may argue qualifications over gender, but rights should be universal

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