For the Equal Rights Amendment

“It provides a legal basis for attack on the most subtle, most pervasive, and most institutionalized form of prejudice that exists. Discrimination against women, solely on the basis of their sex, is so widespread that [it] seems to many persons normal, natural and right.”

Chisholm makes the problem of sex discrimination clear in the opening of her speech. She argues that it is one of the most widespread types of discrimination permissible by law, which makes it seem socially acceptable and even morally right to some. This opening acknowledges that the law bears a complex relationship to social dynamics; it is both influenced by and has the power to influence social dynamics in return.

“Legal expression of prejudice on the grounds of religious or political belief has become a minor problem in our society. Prejudice on the basis of race is, at least, under systematic attack. There is reason for optimism that it will start to die with the present, older generation.”

Chisholm draws on examples of religious, political, and racial discrimination to show the progress American society has made in equality for these underrepresented groups. She says that racial prejudice is “under systemic attack,” meaning the laws and systems of the United States are working to eliminate this type of discrimination, even if it has not been completely eradicated yet. This is an example of logos, or an appeal to the logic of her audience. By highlighting how continued sexist discrimination is at odds with US Congresspersons’ efforts to ensure equality in other areas, Chisholm motivates them to take similar action on gender discrimination.