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Kristen Bradford
10/1/18
Eng 320
Dr. Wynne

“The missing half of American history”

Dr. Gerda Lerner, a feminist scholar, stated that “Everything that explains the

world has in fact explained a world that does not exist, a world in which men are at the

center of the human enterprise and women are at the margin ‘helping’ them”.

Throughout the article by Beth Olanoff, she goes in depth about why women

accomplishments have not been noticed throughout American history. The author uses

many rhetorical appeals like ethos, pathos, and logos to stress her concerns about the

lack of women in history books, as well as highlights many African American women

that have not received as much credit as they deserve.

Olanoff starts her article off with the logos appeal. According to her, “Gender

bias is pervasive in classrooms and our culture. K-12 textbooks and curricula portray

women as bystanders to history with fewer than 11 percent of textbook references

devoted to specific women.” This information shows statistically how there is a huge

lack of information about women, including African American women throughout the

classrooms, curriculum and textbooks. It contributes to the article because she goes in

depth listing the accomplishments of African American women that went unnoticed and

were portrayed as bystanders like Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, and more.

Not only that but the author makes sure to include her ethical appeal throughout

her article. While conducting her research, the author was sure to get all of her research
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from reliable sources, like scholars and psychologist. She goes in depth about how the

lack of all women in the textbooks, curriculum and civic environment sends a clear

message about the relative stature of boys, girls, men, and women. In order to backup

her claim she uses a quote from psychologist, Lynette Long. The quote states, “It

expands the broader message that the contributions of women don’t matter”(Long). This

is a credible source because Lynette Long is the founder of gender parity advocacy

nonprofit Equal Visibility Everywhere. This shows that she has the proper knowledge

and experience towards the specific topic.

Throughout the entire article, Olanoff, uses pathos to grab the audience’s

attention. The very first thing that the author did in order to grab the audience’s attention

was use an interesting title. The author titled the article, : “The missing half of American

History”. This title evokes emotions like confusion and worry, because it questions

whether or not students have been taught a proper education throughout history,

because half of their history is missing. Not only that but the statement, “ This

incomplete and inaccurate view of American history is misleading and harmful to both

girls and boys”(Olanoff) shows that the view of American history can be harmful to

students. This quote creates a concern and a pity towards boys and girl students

because they are missing out on a proper education and are being excluded from

important parts of the world’s history. Not only that but the author uses pathos in order

to prompt action from the audience. For instance the author states, “ We need to do a

much better job of telling the whole story of American history. And not just by dropping a

few “famous firsts” into the curriculum or setting aside a special month focusing on

women’s history, with women and events taken out of historical context” (Olanoff). The
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author uses this statement in order to stir emotions like worry, disgust, and confusion

because women accomplishments and events are taken out of historical context, as if

they are not of any importance. Not only that but to also persuade the audience on

teaching the American history the proper way, and educating students on African

American women contributions.

Throughout our history, women have taken the lead in shaping our nation. They

have contributed to all aspects of our world like , “led reform movements like abolition

and suffrage; fought for better working conditions in the industrial age; forced focus on

public health and education;” (Olanoff) and many important events in history wouldn’t

have occurred if it wasn’t for these powerful women.

Work Cited

Olanoff, Beth. “The Missing Half of American History.” WHYY, 7 Aug. 2014,
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whyy.org/articles/the-missing-half-of-american-history/.