An interesting aside to the consideration of Winfrey and Williams, as well as Dr. Rice, however, is the fact that they are not only women, but they are also African-American women, a key distinction that deserves closer discussion. These women have blazed a trail for the advancement of the women's movement without a doubt, but also, they have opened many doors for minorities, which is perhaps an even larger tribute to them and more evidence of their exceptional abilities and talent to overcome adversity and excel. Whether they are evaluated simply as successful women, or as successful minority women, they stand alone as a tribute to women's causes in the 21st century.
An Overview of Women's Issues in Modern Times
The feminist movement in the modern age has advanced light years beyond the struggles for the female right to vote of the early 20th century and the obstacles that women have overcome to be given equal educational opportunities and the right to pursue careers that were previously exclusive to males. From the countless names that have been lost to history right up to Dr. Rice, women have played, and continue to play vital roles in the most pressing issues of the day.
The early cause of feminism has also given rise to the cause of womanism, which holds true to the concepts of feminism, but also incorporates the considerations of racial discrimination that women face, adding to the challenges of the movement
Presently as well, women are making huge contributions to the peace movement, which aims to end the armed conflict in the Middle East most specifically. By banding together, women all over the world have raised a collective voice that those with the power to bring about peace have heard loud and clear. While this peace has not yet come to full fruition, women are among the biggest champions of the cause.
Conclusion
In this paper, a discussion of the rise of Dr. Condoleeza Rice from humble beginnings, despite race and gender bias, has been discussed not only as a great American success story, but also as an example of the heights that modern women, not to mention modern African-American women can reach. More significantly,...
In closing, it can fairly be said that the women's movement, and the favorable resolution of women's issues, are both more prominent than they have been in recent memory. However, it will be up to the "Condoleezas" of the future to carry the torch and keep this success story alive.
Works Cited
Biography of Dr. Condoleeza Rice." July, 2004, White House Online. Retrieved May 17, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/ricebio.html.
Feifer, Megan. "The History of Black Feminism and Womanism." University of Wisconsin at Madison, 2004. Retrieved May 16, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www.uwm.edu.
Secretary Rice's International Debut." Manila Bulletin 15 Feb. 2005: NA. Questia. 17 May 2006 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5008648125.
Whitaker, Charles. "The Changing Role of Black Women." Ebony Mar. 2001: 108. Questia. 17 May 2006 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000958776.
Why We Need Women's Actions and Feminist Voices for Peace." January 6, 2003, from Women United for Peace Website. Retrieved May 16, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www.starhawk.org.
Biography of Dr. Condoleeza Rice." July, 2004, White House Online. Retrieved May 17, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/ricebio.html.
Secretary Rice's International Debut." Manila Bulletin 15 Feb. 2005: NA. Questia. 17 May 2006 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5008648125.
Whitaker, Charles. "The Changing Role of Black Women." Ebony Mar. 2001: 108. Questia. 17 May 2006 http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000958776.
Feifer, Megan. "The History of Black Feminism and Womanism." University of Wisconsin at Madison, 2004. Retrieved May 16, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www.uwm.edu.
Why We Need Women's Actions and Feminist Voices for Peace." January 6, 2003, from Women United for Peace Website. Retrieved May 16, 2006 from the World Wide Web: http://www.starhawk.org.
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