Women's roles then and now

¶ … Cathay Williams

Born from 1844, died 1892

Age

Single

Ethnicity: Black

Children

She had worked as a cook and washerwoman since the age of 17 for soldiers during the American Civil War. Soldiers had captured slaves like her and made them work under them. At 21, when the war ended, she took some odd jobs here and there until she chose to hide her identity by enlisting as Williams Cathay, as a man, and served in a regimen for several years. They only discovered she was a woman when a surgeon examined her. Shortly after enlisting, she had acquired small pox and visited the hospital several times.

Elizabeth Blackwell

Born in 1821, died 1910

Age

Single

Ethnicity: White

Children

Elizabeth Blackwell was America's first female doctor. Born in England then moving to America due to a Cholera outbreak, she lived in Cincinnati. At first she and she opened a school for ladies, then she tutored students in the south and then she decided to work as a doctor rather than marry. She was a family friend to Harriet Beecher-Stowe, the writer of Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Introduction: Elizabeth and Cathay are sitting in the living room discussing the aftermath of the Civil War. Elizabeth supported the North and even though some of her friends had differing views, she believes in equality for all. Cathay wishes to work in the army and wants to move to the north after her work in the regimen. Cathay works temporarily for Elizabeth as a maid.

Elizabeth: Cathay, be a doll and hand me a cigarette.

Cathay: Sure Missus Elizabeth. I wonder what will become of us all now, the former slaves.

Elizabeth: To be honest I don't know. Have you had any troubling experiences while serving those soldiers that held you captive?

Cathay: One night, while I was in my room, sleeping, I swear I couldn't have screamed any louder as one of the soldiers ripped off my clothes and forced himself on me. It felt utterly dreadful knowing he was doing all these things to me. I felt like I had no power.

Elizabeth: I know how you feel Cathay. To lack power as you did, to see how your life can be taken from you. I know that pain all too well.

Cathay: How is that Missus Elizabeth?

Elizabeth: When I was just a young girl, around 18, I was told by my mother I had to marry and provide for her children, at least two sons. I did not know what to do, but I knew I either had to earn money for the family or get married in order to help support them.

Cathay: I see, is that why you're still not married?

Elizabeth: The minute I was born I was faced with limited choices. I cannot own property like a man. I cannot vote. I cannot do as I please with my leisure time. Immediately when I went into medicine I was faced with several hurdles, most of which would have been nonexistent for men.

Cathay: I feel the same. I want to work in the army, but I have to change who I am in order to do so. I have to turn into a man.

Elizabeth: They say the greatest thing a woman can do is give birth and raise her children. To some extent I agree, however, I think being who you truly are is worth far more.

Cathay: Do you Missus Elizabeth?

Elizabeth: I do. Every woman, regardless of color or background deserves a chance at happiness. I have my education, I have my income, and I have my profession I am proud of. I don't need a man, and most of all I don't need to live by the rules that govern society, at least when it comes to slavery and misogynistic views.

Cathay: I can't believe you feel this way Missus Elizabeth. It overjoys me to hear these words. I would have never believed it from someone else's mouth.

Elizabeth: I know Cathay. There was many a time when I stayed quiet amidst growing concerns as the war continued, but I held steadfast in beliefs.

Cathay: I understand. I feared society as well. It wasn't until after the war, now, that I decided to do something, something daring. And you know, I feel that way as well, even amongst the slaves. Clarence, a fellow slave at the time, told me what to do as if I was his servant. It bothered me so because he was a slave like I am. But he is big and strong and once when I tried to defy him, he slapped me so hard on my face, my mouth bled.