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That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman?
Sojourner Truth
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Sojourner Truth challenges the stereotypical treatment of women and advocates for their equality.

In this quote, Sojourner Truth addresses the societal expectations imposed on women, expressing her discontent with the notion that women require special treatment or protection. Through her rhetorical questions, she asserts her own strength and worth as a woman, highlighting the hypocrisy in the way women are often perceived and treated, while also claiming her place and rights as an equal member of society.

Themes

EqualityWomenEmpowermentRights

In practice

Example use cases

In a women's rights rally, as a powerful statement about empowerment.

More from Sojourner Truth

Religion without humanity is very poor human stuff.
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The rich rob the poor and the poor rob one another.
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Good man! Genuine gentleman! God bless George Thompson, the great-hearted friend of my race.
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And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
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Because of them I can now live the dream. I am the seed of the free, and I know it. I intend to bear great fruit.
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When I left the house of bondage I left everything behind. I wasn't going to keep nothing of Egypt on me, an' so I went to the Lord an' asked him to give me a new name. And he gave me Sojourner because I was to travel up and down the land showing the people their sins and bein' a sign unto them. I told the Lord I wanted two names 'cause everybody else had two, and the Lord gave me Truth, because I was to declare the truth to the people.
Sojourner TruthRead

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