Freedom as Practice: Reflecting on the 19th Amendment's Legacy
The 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, was enacted on 26 August 1920. An article from SLEEK magazine posits that this milestone should not be viewed as a conclusion but rather as a reminder that freedom requires continuous effort and is not a static condition. It argues that rights like women's suffrage, freedom of the press, and artistic expression are vulnerable to decline without active engagement. The piece highlights that cultural institutions safeguard these freedoms only when they are actively exercised. It stresses the importance of provocative art, journalism, and debate in fostering an open society. The article cautions against the misconception that past victories are final, urging ongoing commitment to freedom through embracing dissent and valuing curiosity. Cities such as Berlin, Vienna, and Zurich, along with newsrooms, museums, and universities, are noted as areas where liberal values are often mistakenly considered secure. Ultimately, the article asserts that we must not rely on historical freedoms but strive to practice them daily.
Key facts
- The 19th Amendment to the US Constitution came into effect on 26 August 1920, granting women the right to vote.
- The article is published by SLEEK magazine.
- The article argues that freedom is a practice, not a state.
- It claims that freedoms erode through disuse and conformity.
- It states that institutions protect freedoms only when there is a culture that practices them.
- It suggests that creativity is a seismograph of freedom.
- It mentions Berlin, Vienna, and Zurich as places where liberal foundations are considered secure.
- It calls for tolerating dissent, allowing art to disturb, and placing curiosity above certainty.
Entities
Institutions
- SLEEK magazine
Locations
- Berlin
- Vienna
- Zurich