Sesame and Lilies Reading

This reading by John Ruskin was really confusing to me. I think part of what was so confusing is because it is the opposite of what I am used to reading about women. Our books so far and society in general has made it known for females to be the stay at home moms, bossed around and do not need an education and males to be the educated, controlling, and most hardworking one in the family that brings home all the money. It was nice to read this and see something different and much more positive about females. This reading focuses on the fact the males and females are equal if women receive an education. As long as a women is educated, she is no different than a man. Ruskin makes it clear that women within there homes are not considered any less than men. He also emphasizes that women should be healthy, strong, and beautiful. I found it interesting though when he talks about education that he says, "There is one dangerous science for women- one which they must indeed beware how they profanely touch- that of theology. Strange, and miserably strange, that while they are modest enough to doubt their powers...they will plunge headlong...". He emphasizes that women are just as important and equal to men if they have an education, but then goes on and says this. I found myself closely analyzing this quote and asking myself many questions. Does he think there are only some kinds of education women can handle? He seems as if he is grouping men and women equally and together, but this quote makes me believe that he thinks females can not handle being scared or being put into danger with science or theology. Does that mean men can?

It is comforting to read this and learn about John Ruskin's view on gender equality. Ruskin emphasizes the equality between men and women and how education is what really matters. As long as one is educated, then they have the skills and ability to do what the opposite gender can do. I believe with what Ruskin is saying. Naturally, both females and males have to educate themselves in order to become knowledgable which then leads to a more successful future, something both males and females can obtain equally. Even though this was a long reading, I enjoyed reading it and learning about John Ruskin's thought process on gender equality.