by Shirley Chisolm
Mr.Speaker, when a young woman graduates from college and starts looking for a job, she is likely to have a frustrating and even demeaning experience ahead of her. If she walks into an office for an interview, the first question she will be asked is, "Do you type?''
There is a calculated system of prejudice that lies unspoken behind that question. Why is it acceptable for women to be secretaries, librarians, and teachers, but totally unacceptable for them to be managers, administrators, doctors, lawyers, and Members of Congress.
The unspoken assumption is that women are different. They do not have executive ability orderly minds, stability, leadership skills, and they are too emotional.
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Question
Use the passage to answer the question.
Why does the speaker ask a question in paragraph 12?
(1 point)
Responses
to give the audience a familiar point of reference so that they can understand what it feels like to be a member of Congress
to give the audience a familiar point of reference so that they can understand what it feels like to be a member of Congress
to seek the answer to a question that has been puzzling her
to seek the answer to a question that has been puzzling her
to make a comparison between women who hold elected positions and those who do not
to make a comparison between women who hold elected positions and those who do not
to emphasize that women are not sufficiently protected by existing laws.
to emphasize that women are not sufficiently protected by existing laws.
1 answer
The best response to the question about why the speaker asks a question in paragraph 12 is:
to emphasize that women are not sufficiently protected by existing laws.
This choice aligns with the overall theme of Shirley Chisholm's speech, which highlights the challenges and discrimination that women face in the workforce and the underlying prejudices that contribute to their limited opportunities in leadership and professional roles.
