Easily influenced Quote by Ellen C. Clayton
““Popular Prejudice, having decided that woman is a poor, weak creature, credulous, easily influenced, holds that she is of necessity timid; that if she were allowed as much as a voice in the government of her native country, she would stand appalled if war were even hinted at. If it be proved by hard facts that woman is not a poor, weak creature, then she must be reprimanded as being masculine. To brand a woman as being masculine, is supposed to be quite sufficient to drive her cowering back to her embroidery-frame and her lute.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Women’s Rights Discourse, 19th Century, author Unknown
The quote critiques the double bind women face: being labeled weak and timid, yet punished as masculine if they assert strength or voice in politics.
In simple terms: Women are trapped by contradictory stereotypes.
Key Takeaway
Challenge stereotypes and support women’s agency.
Themes
gender equality
stereotypes
political participation
women’s rights
Mood
defiant
critical
hopeful
Type
feminist
political
social commentary
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- policy advocacy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
double bind
social construction
masculinity
feminist critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern stereotypes differ from historical ones?
- What steps can individuals take to break these double binds?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes all societies share these exact stereotypes, which may not hold universally.
