Caro 1

Micah Caro
Prof. Kane
English 115 mw
Analyzing Chisholms Speech
In this speech, Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm expresses her take on womens rights to
equality. Chisholm is a minority, being African American and a woman. Therefore, she speaks
passionately, having experienced prejudice as a woman first hand. Chisholm was even a majorparty presidential candidate, and probably faced incredible hardships for nothing more than the
color of her skin and gender. Her speech was being delivered to everyone anyone who needed
to become aware of the social problem at hand. Her sophistication, grace, and credible evidence
proved that she was speaking to a higher group of people in the government, although this
speech can afford to be heard by everyone. Throughout the speech, Chisholm covers the
importance of gender equality; from labor laws, to equal prison sentences as men, to education
opportunities, to Military service. She completely stands on the side of supporting equal rights
between men and women. Near the end of her speech, she mentions the Constitution and its
incompleteness, and how she believes it was about time to fix the gaps that didnt include gender
equality. While speaking of gender equality, I think it was less of her intention to persuade the
audience, but more to inform them. Many people probably didnt even realize that there was a
problem in the first place. With this speech being in the genre of social and political issues,
Chisholm was really just trying to make more people aware of the problem. Chisholms tone
throughout the speech remained sophisticated and informative.
Chisholm exemplifies ethos through her solid evidence. She shows the unfairness in
education, the work place, the Military, and even in legal punishments. At this point in her life,

Caro 2
Chisholm wrote and presented this speech because she couldnt bare to watch women suffer for
no reason other than being a woman. Chisholm herself has no doubt faced prejudice as a woman
and decided it was time to do something about it, so this was how she used logos. Her values, or
pathos, is very clear in her whole speech. She values equal rights.
Throughout the entire speech, Chisholm presents powerful arguments. One of the major
ones include, No one would condone exploitation. But what does sex have to do with it?
Working conditions and hours that are harmful to women are harmful to men; wages that are
unfair for when are unfair for men. She explains that despite some physical characteristics that
are different, men and women are the same, and should be treated the same. Chisholm also
explains that hard work should pay off for anyone. Whether they are a man or a woman, the
outcome should be the same. Chisholm seems extremely credible due to her use of
counterarguments. She sees the other side of the argument, yet knows where she stands is still
correct. She even explains that sex prejudice effects both genders, Sex prejudice cuts both ways.
Men are oppressed by the requirements of the Selective Service Act Each sex, I believe,
should be liable when necessary to serve and defend this country. She sees that both sexes go
through prejudice in some way, and believes that equality is necessary.