"Shirley Chisolm Speech" 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.

Question

What main claim is the author expressing in this excerpt?

A. that certain jobs require a more sophisticated skill set than others
B. that society is prejudiced mostly against young women
C. that women should have better opportunities because they are different from men
D. that women are not permitted to hold certain jobs in society

Answer 1

The main claim the author is expressing in this excerpt is:

B. that society is prejudiced mostly against young women.

Shirley Chisholm highlights the biases and discriminatory practices that women, particularly young women, face in the job market, illustrating a systematic prejudice against their capabilities and potential for leadership and professional roles.