Dr. Artrip Taylor
Introduction
In my opinion, both texts provided reasons and evidence to support the importance of the first lady. However, I feel that the author of “Mrs. President?” did a better job since she referred to the roles of several presidents’ wives.
Details from Text 1 “Eleanor Everywhere”
In this text, the authors talk about Eleanor Roosevelt. They mention how she was a politically active first lady during the Great Depression where people were homeless, hungry, and unemployed. For instance, she traveled across the county helping people. In addition, she felt strongly that our government needed to ensure equal rights for black Americans. She even worked with the NAACP to help promote civil rights. Eleanor was a peace activist who became one of the world’s most admired women. This was during a time where women were recognized as weak and having no political power. For example, one man wrote. “ Why don’t you buy yourself some stuff to knit with, instead of using the Army’s gas for your trips?”
Details from Text 2 “Mrs. President?”
In this text, the author mentions several presidents’ wives and how they made a huge positive impact on our nation. For example, Abigail Adams was very involved in politics and even attended meetings of the House of Representatives. In addition, Mrs. Herbert Hoover raised a lot of money for the Girl Scouts of America. Furthermore, Barbara Bush was involved in improving literacy in America. “Perhaps, like those who were co-Presidents with their husbands or who dramatically affected politics, they will not be First Ladies, and we will have ‘First Husbands’ instead.”
Conclusion
In short, I feel both texts explained the importance of the roles of the first lady. I liked how the authors from the first text detailed Eleanor Roosevelt’s contributions to our nation. Nonetheless, I think the author of the second text did a better job since she spoke of several first ladies and how they helped to shape our nation’s future.