“Deeds, Not Words”—A Feminist Activist from the Past

Please watch this video in preparation for our discussion:
“Suffragette—My Life” by Emmeline Pankhurst: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eURIbP-DR2I&t=1035s

Emmeline Pankhurst was prominent in the British struggle for suffrage. She founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an all-women suffrage advocacy organization. This is a discussion of her book Suffragette--My Own Story, written in 1914.

Following are some questions to consider:

• What conditions that Pankhurst faced are still relevant to women today?
• In what ways was Pankhurst more (or less) radical in her vision for women than many feminists are today?
• Was she right in thinking women need to be more militant, that is, “deeds, not words”? Is violence indeed the answer?
• What forms of physical activism did her organization use, if any, that might make sense to incorporate today?
• What do you think about Pankhurst's belief in top-down, as opposed to democratic, organizing principles for social movements? Are there times when top-down organizing is best?
• Have women used the power of the vote to enact the changes Pankhurst hoped?
• How important is women’s right to vote, as opposed to other strategies, in the struggle for women’s liberation?

Please note that, if you haven't attended one of our previous meetings and if you wish to attend this one, you must send me a private message with your email address by Friday, August 29, at the latest. We will then contact you and let you know the address of the event at that time. Thank you.