I have always believed that both women and men are equal. Little did I know that equality between men and women was superficial. In the U.S. Constitution there are only mentions of men, and none of women. I learned this matter through my women’s studies class. I’ve learned that there is a new amendment that has been proposed to make both women and men legally equal – the Equal Rights Amendment.

I believe that taking a women’s studies class was beneficial for me because I was able to learn about the inequality that is still present between men and women. If men and women are capable of having the same occupation, shouldn’t they be treated equally and fairly? I’ve always thought about it this way that men and women should be equal in all aspects. I now understand why some women would say that men have it easier, because I can see the difference on how men and women are treated.

This women’s studies class has been an interesting experience since the first day I entered the class. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but once I listened to what the class was about and everything that had to be done, I got scared. Then I realized that I could in fact manage the work and just continued the class. This class has affected me positively because it taught me more about women in my past that I didn’t even know about. All the guest speakers that have gone to class and taken the time to talk to us have shown me that anything can be possible if we set our minds to it.

The days progress as we continue to work for this ERA Education Project and in light of all the recent knowledge that’s been shared with me, my perspective of things has changed. The class has made me more observant of the people around me. Just the other day I found myself making observations of how our society demeans women not because it’s their intent to insult, but because it is the norm.

Growing up with one older and three older male cousins has kept me in a sort of bubble with regards to equality. Not to say I felt men were more capable, but it feels more and more that it’s an actual misconception that they are. The male machismo, at least as I have seen in my family, tends to defend that idea with such vigor that I wonder if it’s because they really believe it or because they are afraid to speak