In Women in the Salons by Bonnie S. Anderson and Judith P. Zinsser, it states, “The saloniere—witty, independent, powerful, well- read, and sometimes libertine—was condemned and mocked” (Sherman 49). Why? Why would a well- educated, attractive, polite woman be condemned? The plight of women during the Enlightenment, particularly in France’s salons, was remarkably similar to the role of women in the 1950’s, when the majority of women were housewives. Even in the 1950’s, once women began to seek careers, the housewives would mock those that sought to establish themselves professionally. This is also evident in modern times. Smart, highly- driven women are underestimated by men and scoffed at by other women. Apparently, the idea of a successful woman is threatening, whether it is the 1700’s or 1900’s.
During the Enlightenment, salioneres could get their foot in the door during powerful meetings and influential discussions among government officials, writers, and philosophers. However, they could not truly contribute. The irony is that the Enlightenment was a time when men questioned race, absolute government, religion, and society. However, they forgot to discuss women and their rights. As Mary Wollstonecraft states in A Vindication of the Rights of Women, “…one- half of the human race excluded by the other from all participation of government was a political phenomenon…” (Sherman 42). She means that 50% of the population is considered completely useless, yet if women’s skills could be maximized and utilized, nations would be 100% stronger. Overall, women were underestimated and not given the rights that belong to them.
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A book that I read over the summer called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn discusses women’s rights but with a twist. As some of you may know, I am the Co- Founder and Co- President (specifically the Event Coordinator and Treasurer) of Love146, a new CSI at MKA. Women’s rights have certainly been a problem and even today’s age, women are oppressed through the sex trade. Certainly, human trafficking is a much graver issue than women in France’s salons, but they both stem from the fact that women are simply underappreciated in today’s world. Nevertheless, Love146 is dedicated to putting an end to that.
For more information about joining Love146, donating to the Hope Revolution Walkathon, or participating in the walkathon (October 2nd in Brooklyn, NY) please get in touch with Love146’s Student and Faculty Contact, Serena Dunbar at sdunbar16@gmail.com.
