Women's Rights (and also Pantene)

19th century was a time for change in the United States. As more and more activists spoke out to provide equal rights in the land of opportunity, America began to be shaped into what we see today. But all change is controversial. One of the most controversial movements was the reform of women's rights. A woman lacked a lot of rights in those days: her right to own property, divorce her husband, vote, and even custody of her children if her husband appointed another guardian in his will.

The Recorder's article gives criticism of the Women's
Rights Convention and then gives an excerpt of the
Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.
Larger image here. From Library of Congress,
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/images/vc006198.jpg

In July of 1848, many gathered in Seneca Falls, New York, creating the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions as a cry for women's rights. Reactions from all around the USA were widespread, and varied from supporting the movement to outright condemning it. One newspaper, The Recorder, published a piece on August 3rd concerning their opinion of the convention stating, "We need not say that we think the movement excessively silly..." However, others spoke up in support. In response to articles like The Recorder's, The National Reformer
published this statement on August 31: "But to be serious– we would like to be informed why– we would ask but for one valid reason why woman should be deprived of her equal rights as an intelligent being."

Even from the 19th century, I think we still have a similar problem today. Although not to the extremes of some back in 1848, gender can have an effect on how society views someone in the 21st century. This advertisement from Pantene gives some examples, like someone dressing nice can be seen as smooth or a showoff depending on their gender. However, I think this ad also serves as proof that these differences are getting recognized and we are slowly making steps to improve the situation and bridge the gender gap.

This ad, from Pantene, displays traits that society labels men and women differently for. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8gz-jxjCmg