The main cause is a pernicious falsehood propagated against her being, namely that she is inferior by her nature. Inferior in what? What has man ever done that woman, under the same advantages could not do?
If you allow one single germ, one single seed of slavery to remain in the soil of America... that germ will spring up, that noxious weed will thrive, and again stifle the growth, wither the leaves, blast the flowers and poison the fair fruits of freedom.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns that even a small amount of oppression can grow and undermine freedom.
Ernestine Rose's quote highlights the critical danger of allowing any form of slavery or oppression to persist, suggesting that such 'germs' can proliferate and ultimately undermine the principles of freedom and growth in society. She uses vivid imagery to illustrate how a small seed of tyranny can develop into a destructive force that harms the collective well-being and rights of individuals, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against any infringement of freedom.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civil rights, this quote can illustrate the need for constant vigilance against oppression.
More from Ernestine Rose
All quotes →For here lies the corner stone of all the injustices done woman, the wrong idea from which all other wrongs proceed. She is not acknowledged as mistress of herself. For her cradle to her grave she is another's. We do indeed need and demand the other rights of which I have spoken, but let us first obtain OURSELVES.
Again, I shall be told that the law presumes the husband to be kind, affectionate, and ready to provide for and protect his wife. But what right, I ask, has the law to presume at all on the subject?
Books and opinions, no matter from whom they came, if they are in opposition to human rights, are nothing but dead letters.
It is high time to compel man by the might of right to give woman her political, legal and social rights. She will find her own sphere in accordance with her capacities, powers and tastes; and yet she will be woman still.
All that I can tell you is, that I used my humble powers to the uttermost, and raised my voice in behalf of Human Rights in general, and the elevation and Rights of Woman in particular, nearly all my life.
Similar quotes
Please use your freedom to promote ours.
Here was the freedom I desired, long sought-for, not yet known Freedom to write, to walk, to wander, freedom to climb hills, to pull a boat, to be alone.
Nobody living can ever stop me. As I go walking my freedom highway. Nobody living can make me turn back. This land was made for you and me.
Years of imprisoning and beheading writers never succeeded in shutting them out. However, placing them in the heart of a market and rewarding them with a lot of commercial success, has.
Everyone wants a voice in human freedom. There's a fire burning inside all of us.
Now that we are poor, we are free. No white man controls our footsteps.