Analyzing Declarations of Independence

This morning, 8-17-11, we got to spend some time analyzing our Declaration of Independence using the SPEC model, and also comparing these to multiple other declarations. The group I participated in got to study the Declaration of Sentiments. This was a really fascinating exercise! I had never so carefully read our own Declaration, and it was great to break it down using SPEC. Truthfully, the very long list of complaints that preceded the Declaration sounded just a bit whiny! There were many reasons to be unhappy with England, right? :) The Declaration itself is quite short! I LOVED the way the women took the framework 80 years later and wrote up the Declaration of Sentiments. As we said to Anthony Fitzpatrick, the Declaration of Sentiments seems like a direct slap in the face to our society. It's as if the women are saying, "Hey people, it's time for everyone to benefit from the Declaration, not just you men!" We noted that the Dec. of Independence was far more political in focus, while the Dec. of Sentiments was far more social and cultural. It was equally interesting to hear about Declarations in Haiti, Texas, Liberia, and others. What a remarkable lesson! Thank you Anthony!