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.