Aren’t I a woman?

Isabella Baumfree, who was born in 1797 in Ulster County, New York. She changed her name after she left her masters to Sojourner Truth. She known for being an abolitionist for women rights. She wrote a speech regarding this named “Ain’t I a Woman” in 1827.Its based the basic rights of women.

The original speech of Sojourner was meant to encourage and impact not only the black women, but also all women. Especially, those that aren’t involve with the Cult of True womanhood. “And raising herself to her full height and her voice…(423)”. This quote was used to show how inspirational she was trying to relate with the crowd. The crowd response was used to show how well she was doing with persuading them and putting a point across.

The Copy of the speech written over by Frances Gage is written differently. Her version seems to try to degrade the black race by the slang imposed throughout it. “Wall, chilern, whar dar is so much racket must be somethin’(Gages 1881)”. This slang imposes that black sin this time period lacked education. Although, in most cases this was true self-taught blacks were highly educated and equal by every right as intellectual as whites.

Den dey talks bout dis ting in de head; what dis dey call it (Intellect,”whispered some one near)(Gage1881)”. This quote shows that the people mostly likely men were opposed to this. Women being highly intellectual? This means they can be more superior as more competition towards men. This makes it hard to be superior as a female most importantly an African to gain respect and have strong integrity.

“Den dat little black man dar (Gages 1881)”. She says this to show that she knows just as much as a man even a minister. She almost degrades him by calling him a “little man” when he’s in high power. She uses all her most strength and doesn’t stop telling what she ahs to get through.