Feminism in 1776

This week in class, we did a sort of different type of reading. While we usually read persuasive essays  pertaining to current issues, this time we cold read the letters that Abigail and John Adams wrote to each other. It was an interesting change in events, especially since the language was very difficult to understand. But it still kind of reminded me of the the other essays we've been reading because of the feminist tone. Abigail Adams wanted her husband to do something about the lack of representation given to women. She voices her concern by stating the fact that men are "naturally tyrannical (537") and use only force and violence to get what they want. Abigail uses this argument to assert her viewpoint that if women were given more representation they would use logic, reason, and sentiment to better our nation. John replied by simply brushing it off, implying that he was too busy to worry about her childish ramblings--and that she can try to round up her fellow women and rally for equal rights, but it most likely would never happen. Though women's rights have obviously developed dramatically since 1776, the same type of disdain towards females is still seen today. It may not happen often, but I have definitely heard of instances where men have just brushed off something that a woman said, simply because she's female, and girls can never say anything with actual deep meaning right? I mean, all us girls really care about is boys, hair, and makeup, and there's really no way we could have an original thought, right? Hopefully we can end this stereotype, but it seems like that won't be happening anytime soon.