Who Was The Most Outspoken Woman Against The Equal Rights Amendment, I.e., Stop-ERA?A. Phyllis Schlafly B. Gloria Aldrich C. Gloria Steinem

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was a landmark legislation proposed in the United States in 1972, aiming to guarantee equal rights for women under the law. However, the ERA faced significant opposition from various groups, including the "Stop-ERA" movement. At the forefront of this movement was a woman who would become a household name: Phyllis Schlafly. In this article, we will delve into the life and legacy of Phyllis Schlafly, the most outspoken woman against the ERA.

Who was Phyllis Schlafly?

Phyllis Schlafly was an American conservative activist, author, and lawyer who played a pivotal role in the anti-ERA movement. Born on August 15, 1924, in St. Louis, Missouri, Schlafly grew up in a family of modest means. She was a brilliant student and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in political science. Schlafly later earned a law degree from Washington University School of Law and began practicing law in the 1950s.

The Rise of Phyllis Schlafly

Schlafly's entry into politics began in the 1950s, when she became involved in the Republican Party. She was a vocal supporter of Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign in 1964 and later became a prominent figure in the conservative movement. Schlafly's activism was not limited to politics; she was also a strong advocate for traditional family values and women's roles in society.

The Anti-ERA Movement

In the early 1970s, the ERA gained momentum, and Schlafly saw an opportunity to challenge the legislation. She founded the Eagle Forum, a conservative organization dedicated to opposing the ERA. Schlafly's opposition to the ERA was not based on a desire to restrict women's rights but rather on her conviction that the amendment would undermine traditional family values and lead to a decline in women's roles in society.

The "Stop-ERA" Campaign

Schlafly's "Stop-ERA" campaign was a grassroots movement that aimed to educate the public about the potential consequences of the ERA. She traveled extensively, giving speeches and lectures to raise awareness about the issue. Schlafly's message resonated with many women who were concerned about the impact of the ERA on their families and communities.

Gloria Aldrich: A Lesser-Known Opponent

While Phyllis Schlafly is often credited as the most outspoken woman against the ERA, there was another woman who also played a significant role in the anti-ERA movement: Gloria Aldrich. Aldrich was a conservative activist who shared Schlafly's concerns about the ERA. However, unlike Schlafly, Aldrich's involvement in the anti-ERA movement was not as prominent, and she is often overlooked in historical accounts of the era.

Gloria Steinem: A Leading Proponent of the ERA

Gloria Steinem, on the other hand, was a leading proponent of the ERA. Steinem was a prominent feminist activist who saw the ERA as a crucial step towards achieving equal rights for women. Steinem's advocacy for the ERA was instrumental in mobilizing support for the legislation, and she remains a celebrated figure in the feminist movement.

The Legacy of Phyllis Schlafly

Phyllis Schlafly's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While she is often remembered as a conservative activist who opposed the ERA, her contributions to the feminist movement are often overlooked. Schlafly's advocacy for women's rights and her commitment to traditional family values reflect the complexities of the feminist movement in the 1970s.

Conclusion

Phyllis Schlafly was a trailblazing figure in American politics, and her opposition to the ERA remains a significant chapter in the history of the feminist movement. While her views on women's rights may have been at odds with those of many feminists, Schlafly's commitment to her cause and her ability to mobilize support for her ideas are a testament to her enduring legacy.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1924: Phyllis Schlafly is born on August 15th in St. Louis, Missouri.
• 1950s: Schlafly begins practicing law and becomes involved in the Republican Party.
• 1964: Schlafly supports Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign.
• 1972: The ERA is proposed in Congress.
• 1973: Schlafly founds the Eagle Forum to oppose the ERA.
• 1975: The ERA is ratified by 35 states, falling short of the 38 states required for ratification.

References

• Schlafly, P. (1977). The Power of the Positive Woman. New York: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan.
• Schlafly, P. (1984). The Feminine Mystique Revisited. New York: Harper & Row.
• Steinem, G. (1983). Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
  Q&A: Phyllis Schlafly and the Anti-Equal Rights Amendment Movement ===========================================================

In our previous article, we explored the life and legacy of Phyllis Schlafly, the most outspoken woman against the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). In this Q&A article, we will delve deeper into Schlafly's views on the ERA and her role in the anti-ERA movement.

Q: What was Phyllis Schlafly's main argument against the ERA?

A: Schlafly's main argument against the ERA was that it would undermine traditional family values and lead to a decline in women's roles in society. She believed that the ERA would require women to serve in the military, work outside the home, and abandon their domestic duties.

Q: Why did Schlafly think the ERA would be bad for women?

A: Schlafly believed that the ERA would lead to a loss of women's rights in the home and in the workplace. She argued that women would be forced to compete with men for jobs and would be expected to serve in the military. Schlafly also believed that the ERA would lead to a decline in women's roles as homemakers and caregivers.

Q: What was the "Stop-ERA" campaign, and how did it work?

A: The "Stop-ERA" campaign was a grassroots movement founded by Schlafly to oppose the ERA. The campaign involved educating the public about the potential consequences of the ERA and mobilizing support for the anti-ERA movement. Schlafly traveled extensively, giving speeches and lectures to raise awareness about the issue.

Q: Who were some of the key figures in the anti-ERA movement?

A: In addition to Phyllis Schlafly, some other key figures in the anti-ERA movement included:

• Gloria Aldrich: A conservative activist who shared Schlafly's concerns about the ERA.
• Phyllis Schlafly's husband, Fred Schlafly: A lawyer who helped his wife with her anti-ERA efforts.
• Other conservative activists: Many other conservative activists, including those from the Republican Party, also opposed the ERA.

Q: What was the outcome of the ERA debate?

A: The ERA was proposed in Congress in 1972 and was ratified by 35 states. However, it fell short of the 38 states required for ratification. The ERA debate was a significant chapter in the history of the feminist movement, and it highlighted the complexities and divisions within the movement.

Q: What is Phyllis Schlafly's legacy, and how is she remembered today?

A: Phyllis Schlafly's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While she is often remembered as a conservative activist who opposed the ERA, her contributions to the feminist movement are often overlooked. Schlafly's advocacy for women's rights and her commitment to traditional family values reflect the complexities of the feminist movement in the 1970s.

Q: What can we learn from Phyllis Schlafly's story?

A: Phyllis Schlafly's story teaches us about the importance of understanding different perspectives and the complexities of social movements. It also highlights the challenges and controversies that can arise when trying to achieve social change.

Q: What are some of the key takeaways from the ERA debate?

A: Some of the key takeaways from the ERA debate include:

• The importance of understanding different perspectives: The ERA debate highlighted the complexities and divisions within the feminist movement.
• The challenges of achieving social change: The ERA debate was a significant chapter in the history of the feminist movement, and it highlighted the challenges and controversies that can arise when trying to achieve social change.
• The importance of respecting different views: The ERA debate showed that even those who disagree with each other can still respect and learn from each other's perspectives.

References

• Schlafly, P. (1977). The Power of the Positive Woman. New York: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan.
• Schlafly, P. (1984). The Feminine Mystique Revisited. New York: Harper & Row.
• Steinem, G. (1983). Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions. New York: Henry Holt and Company.