2
" as a general rule, women nowadays dedicate all their energy, all their attention to their appearance; they are not concerned with anything except wearing the latest fashion; they squander all their intelligence in trying to become more beautiful, and not even in any practical way, by some beneficial and hygienic method, like practicing gymnastics, exercising in the fresh air, or swimming every morning. But no, it must be done with ribbons and lace, by cutting their
breath short from the excessive use of tight-fitting corsets. And this translates to a waste of time, health, and money. "
― Luisa Capetillo , A Nation of Women: An Early Feminist Speaks Out: Mi Opinion Sobre Las Libertades, Derechos y Deberes de La Mujer
7
" There are many women who think that being a mother means contradicting a child, and later they beat them, and order them about for the sake of giving orders, to see herself obeyed, ordering the child not to run, not to jump, not to yell, in sum, a whole bunch of ignorant things, the truth is, to prohibit a child from doing all this is to prohibit them from being healthy. They act like this with girls precisely because they are girls, as if a girl's organism did not have to develop, so that they can grow up beautiful and strong, and not scrawny and pale, nor become mothers full of pains and ailments. They think that being a mother authorizes them to mistreat and order the children at whim, and oblige them to do things against their will, that is an error. "
― Luisa Capetillo , A Nation of Women: An Early Feminist Speaks Out: Mi Opinion Sobre Las Libertades, Derechos y Deberes de La Mujer
15
" La mujer que teniendo su marido dueño de ingenio ó hacienda y conozca, ó se llame espiritista ó cristiana debe procurar no ataviarse con lujo, ni usar prendas, ni hacer gastos inútiles. Debe visitar las familias de sus peones, que le producen la riqueza que poseen y continuan aumentándola y observar en que forma viven, si carecen de lo útil y necesario, como lo son las camas, sillas y demás utensilios; si la casa en que viven no se moja, y si se puede habitar en ellas de acuerdo con la higiene. Si ella viviría con gusto en ella. "
― Luisa Capetillo , A Nation of Women: An Early Feminist Speaks Out: Mi Opinion Sobre Las Libertades, Derechos y Deberes de La Mujer
16
" ¡Oh tú, mujer! que pudiendo sembrar justicia estás dispuesta á hacerlo; no te turbes, ni te inquietes, ni huyas, adelante! y en provecho de las futuras gereraciones coloca la primera piedra para el edificio de la igualdad social de un modo firme y sereno, con todo el derecho que te pertenece, sin bajar la frente, que ya no eres la antigua material é intelectual esclava. Tu iniciativa será coronada por el éxito, haciéndose por tu propio esfuerzo tu alına, luminosa y bella como un sol de verdad y justicia. "
― Luisa Capetillo , A Nation of Women: An Early Feminist Speaks Out: Mi Opinion Sobre Las Libertades, Derechos y Deberes de La Mujer
20
" Could there exist true happiness in a marriage when the man is the only one who can regularly exercise his free will and satisfy his desires, without caring whether or not his wife agrees? Accustomed to the passive obedience of women, he does not bother to find out whether or not
she is satisfied with his conduct. And if she is not, he does not attempt to please her, nor to adapt his conduct to a new way of life.
How can the holy priestess of the hearth preserve the sacred fire of love in the home when she has to officiate alone? Where is the principal object of her devotion? Look for him outside the home at those times when he should be at the side of his companion. Will a solid foundation for domestic happiness be established by this behavior? No. Men have the right to do or undo, without his companion. He goes to a masked ball or not, to the casino, to gamble, or chases other women.... and meanwhile, poor woman! A sad scenario for domestic bliss! She is subjected to a sad solitude for days and nights on end, orphaned of love, of sweet attentions and joys while the above-mentioned companion gambles, dances... or falls in love. "
― Luisa Capetillo , A Nation of Women: An Early Feminist Speaks Out: Mi Opinion Sobre Las Libertades, Derechos y Deberes de La Mujer
A Nation of Women: An Early Feminist Speaks Out: Mi Opinion Sobre Las Libertades, Derechos y Deberes de La Mujer