Question

Create a one minute video discussion board in which you explain why you think it took so long for (white) women to get the vote in Canada (we say white because as we will learn, many women from non-white backgrounds were not eligible to vote in 1920) ? Justify your reasoning with 2-3 points you have learned in this lesson or previous lessons. grade 10 level

Answer 1

[Video Discussion Board - Script]

[Opening Shot: Presenter in front of a neutral background, casually dressed.]

Presenter:
Hey everyone! Today, I want to talk about a significant milestone in Canadian history—the struggle for women's suffrage, specifically focusing on why it took so long for white women to gain the right to vote in Canada.

[Cut to a graphic of a timeline of women’s suffrage in Canada.]

Presenter:
Firstly, one key reason is societal attitudes towards women during that time. At the turn of the 20th century, many people believed that a woman's primary role was in the home. They thought that women should focus on being wives and mothers, rather than participating in politics. This belief was deeply ingrained in Canadian society, making it difficult for women to be taken seriously when they campaigned for their rights.

[Cut to a photo of suffragettes marching.]

Presenter:
Secondly, the political landscape at the time didn't favor women's rights. Many politicians were more concerned with maintaining the status quo, which meant that they were hesitant to support women's suffrage. The fight for the vote was often seen as a distraction from more pressing political issues, so it took years of activism and perseverance from women and their allies to change these views.

[Cut to a map of Canada highlighting different provinces.]

Presenter:
Lastly, it's important to note the intersectionality of race in this discussion. While white women gained the right to vote federally in 1918, many women from Indigenous and non-white backgrounds faced significant legal and social barriers. For example, Indigenous women weren’t considered Canadian citizens, so they couldn’t vote until 1960! This delays in voting rights highlight systemic racism that further complicated the struggle for suffrage.

[Cut back to the presenter.]

Presenter:
So, to sum it up, societal attitudes, political resistance, and racial discrimination all played crucial roles in delaying the vote for women in Canada. It’s a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of advocating for every voice to be heard.

[Closing shot with a call to action.]

Presenter:
Thank you for listening! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Why do you think advocacy for women's rights is still relevant today? Drop your comments below!

[Fade out with music and text encouraging engagement.]