was believed that women were the inferior gender and had to have special attention given to them. Women were also very limited in their rights in 1872. Such rights included: women had to submit to laws when they had no voice in their formation, married women had no property rights, husbands had legal power over and responsibility for their wives to the extent that they could imprison or beat them with impunity, divorce and child custody laws favored men, giving no rights to women and when women did work they were paid only a fraction of what men earned, women were not allowed to enter professions such as medicine or law, and women were robbed of their self-confidence and self-respect, and were made totally dependent on men. (Declaration of Sentiments)But times have changed now. Women now have the power to do anything they want to when they put their minds to it.Over the last century women have made incredible progress in their struggle to claim their equal rights and humanity, gaining the right to vote in 1920 under the 19th amendment in the constitution, gaining a right to an equal education, owning property and having a job. Women’s new role in society is focused on independence. Society has found that women are able to succeed without set limitations and expectations despite earlier notions. The media no longer focuses primarily on superficial aspects of women but also on a more profound basis. In Ever After, a modern version of Cinderella, Danielle is respected not only for her beauty but also for her intelligence and distinct personality. She shares her knowledge of democracy, education, and equality with Henry, the prince. Danielle’s actions represent the new forms of empowerment modern women strive for.Women are now encouraged to educate themselves beyond the domestic elements. Advertisements share this idea of a “new woman.” Hamburger Helper ads typically present workingwomen who are also able to...
