TOW #19: Half the Sky

         Interestingly enough, the main argument in this book is presented early within its pages in a very similar manner to Declaration of Sentiments we read in class. Like this speech, the claim is proven deductively, through the presentation of "known truths" and the consequences of said truth. Then, for the rest of the early chapters, gives evidence to inductively support the claim that was put forth earlier. It begins with an admittedly basic concept; the true and all too often ignored fact that there is a rampant oppression of women and girls in the developing world and that this oppression is indeed a violation of human rights. The book goes on to explain this country's high value in human rights, and how this is the very thing that was seen to give "birth to the United States" (43). With this provided knowledge to the subject -- the major premise -- the book goes on to explain that when human rights are in violation and a group of individuals is being oppressed, it is the duty of the others to rise to the occasion and take action against it. This premise too is supported by a myriad of examples in American history, starting with the initial Declaration of Independence, to the Emancipation Proclamation, and the more recent struggle for civil liberty. Using these examples provides a strong credibility to the general truth they use for the rationale in their argument.
         The earliest chapters (the first five that I read) fulfill the same role as the bulleted points in both the Declaration of Independence and Declaration of Sentiments -- to inductively prove that the minor premise of the general truth applies here and now. To do this the authors must provide evidence of human right violations in the form of women's oppression. In chapter 1, this is explored through the life of a Cambodian girl who was sold into sex slavery and in chapter 2, with an Ethiopian woman who faced devastating injuries for her pregnancy. These (and many more) prove the general truth is in fact applicable, and therefore, action is necessary. This is ultimately the main goal of the book -- to encourage a global call to arms against the oppression of women.