Does Source B support the evidence of Source C about the Suffrage campaign?

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Assignment 2    Question 2 

Does Source B support the evidence of Source C about the Suffrage campaign? 

During the early 20th century, Women’s battle for equality reached its very peak as their campaign to be granted suffrage became even more passionate and frantic, as. It was around this time that the first real changes started occur; and as with any revolutionary crusade, there was a great deal of controversy surrounding it. It therefore comes as no great surprise that an immense amount of media was published concerning the subject. This was created by people on both sides of the campaign, and so there is a very wide range of the opinions voiced through forms of books, newspaper articles, speeches and in particular propaganda posters. Both these sources depict an extremely disdainful view towards women’s suffrage, however to what extent they support each other in the rest of their views is rather debatable and needs to be considered to a further degree.

Although these two sources were written for entirely different purposes, they surprisingly share one of their common principles, sending out an almost identical message on the actions of Suffragettes. Both authors feel that they were behaving in a maniacal manner which was totally unacceptable, and one which would only be used by the most preposterous lunatics. Source C depicts a suffragette protesting [maniacally], in a very emotional posture with greatly exaggerated and unwomanly actions. The viewer immediately feels contempt towards her, seeing her as nothing but a [nuisance]. This feeling is then enhanced by the label underneath- ‘The Shrieking Sister’. This is implying that the suffragette is very mentally unstable, to the extent of hysteria. Also, by ‘Sister’ it is associating her into an [organization], as part of a brethren which we are led to believe are all like this. This immediately lowers all suffragette campaigners, making their cause worthless. Source B is portraying a very similar [feeling], labeling the protests as a ‘shrill cry’. The word shrill here implies how they are [hysterical], irrational and desperate. It’s purpose, similar to that of Source C’s is to demote them and point out how ridiculous their actions are.

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Another way in which the two sources are [linked/similar] is in the way they dehumanize women suffrage campaigners. Source B does this simply by the title of the book- “Women or Suffragette”. This suggests that a woman could only be one or the other, and that should they be a suffragette they are letting go of an femininity. Even by just reading the title of the book, the public feel forced into making a decision between the two sides- between being a respected, charming woman or being an indistinguishable/undefinable monstrosity. Source C uses similar tactics in putting this point ...

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