In today’s world of constantly conflicting political opinions, it is often hard to find a truly great role model to look up to. I know that not everyone is a perfect human being, but sometimes it is necessary to look to prior history to find an individual that truly left a vast positive impact on society. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is one of those individuals. Throughout her life Eleanor stood up for women as well as basic human rights, and also fought for equality for African Americans. She is a prime example of what many Americans today should strive to be.
As a Democrat, Eleanor began her political career in 1910 in New York alongside her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt as she sat in on political meetings in which her husband was involved. Once she was first Lady in the White House in 1933 Eleanor was able to use her distinctive position to represent women in politics and fight for their rights. She both joined and strongly supported the League of Women Voters and the Women's Trade Union League, both of which helped gain equality for women across various aspects of their lives. Eleanor helped advise New Deal policies by insuring them to be non discriminatory towards women; this was vital to the success of putting more women into federal jobs and factories. She also helped ensure more opportunities for women by holding women only press conferences in the White House so women would have to be hired by media companies for well paying jobs.
Eleanor was obviously a strong advocate for equal opportunities for all, including most notably African Americans. She started a partnership with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to help provide a voice for the organization in government politics. This included supporting the NAACP sponsored anti-lynching bill and the creation of the Fair Employment Practices Commission. Some of her work helped push forward the Civil Rights Movement after her death in 1962.
Both during and after Eleanor's time in the White House she fought greatly for basic human rights and sufficient living conditions. During the Great Depression, she gave critical input and suggestions for New Deal Policies including the Civil Works Administration and the Work Projects Administration, which frequently created jobs for the unemployed. Eleanor also often closely observed state institutions such as prisons, hospitals, and insane asylums as well as city slums. After FDR's death in 1945, Eleanor was appointed delegate to the United Nations where she made large contributions as part of the Human Rights Commission in drafting the Universal Declaration for Human Rights.
Eleanor overcame an unhappy childhood and personal troubles to become a very influential person throughout the globe. She was a politician and world crusader for justice and equality while also balancing being a wife and mother. She was not a 'typical' famous woman, who was admired for her beauty and 'feminine' traits. Eleanor used her position in society to do great good for people while her husband was in politics.
Since middle school when I started learning about famous individuals in history I have always looked up to leading women like Eleanor. Throughout different times in history prior generations of women have broken down barriers and paved the way so future generations can ultimately live a better life. As a young woman I am completely grateful that women such as Eleanor Roosevelt have stood up and fought for equality, and for having the courage to do what they felt was necessary. However for women our work still is not done achieving full equality in all aspects of our life, which is a sad but true fact to face.
