Life for the average American woman
has changed a lot since 1940. Gone are the antiquated standards for ladylike
behavior and modest dress. The institutionalized sexism that was once so common
in schools and the workplace has been outlawed. Even expectations of marriage
and motherhood, though not entirely absent, have evolved a great deal in the
last 76 years. What has not changed though, is the debt of honor that each and
every citizen owes her country. Sadly, the law has yet to recognize that debt.
There have
been several iterations of the draft since America was founded more than 200
years ago, but the Selective Service and
Training Act of 1940 is widely regarded as the forefather of our modern
selective service. This bill required all males
from 21-36 to register for the draft. Though Congress has tweaked and altered
the bill many times since then, one thing has not changed. It only applies to
men.[i]
In the time
since that bill was passed women have been adamant about demanding a better
deal from this country, and for the most part they have received it. The right
to vote, to have an education, to go to work and even to serve in the military
all owe their existence to that “feminist movement.” However, if this society
ever wants to reach a state of true equity between men and women then the fight
can not stop with equal rights. It must also include equal responsibility as
well. That is why it is imperative for Congress to amend the legislation and
include women in the draft.
The timing for
this change could not be better. In late 2015 the Department of Defense, under
the guidance of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, officially opened up all
combat positions to females, officers and enlisted alike.[ii]
Now that this last formal barrier to equality has been removed it is time for
woman to step up and demand once more that they be allowed to carry their fair
share of the burden.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment