History details many events that shaped our country and its future. Events such as the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Cold War, and other events have had both a positive and negative impact on us. The Equal Rights Amendment is an event that had a major impact on our society and posed challenges. The article I chose is titled Equal Rights Amendment Passes Congress, But Fails to Be Ratified. In 1923, the Equal Rights Amendment was introduced in the United States. This happened after the Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote. However, the challenge to the Equal Rights Amendment received very little support, and unions did not support it because it would negatively impact protections already won for female workers. In the 1940s, while there was some support, Congress opposed adoption of this amendment. One of the aspects that changed this amendment was equal rights for African Americans. After numerous revisions, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which provided protections to minorities and women. Soon after, the National Organization for Women formed by Betty Friedan aimed to add an equal rights amendment to the Constitution. After its adoption, it had to be ratified, and within a year, thirty states approved the amendment. Although this amendment benefited many women, not all were in favor of it. One of the leaders who opposed it was Phyllis Schlafly, who argued that the amendment would pose a threat to families, mothers and the special protections some enjoyed. An example of his argument was illustrated in the case of Roe v. Wade. This case was an example of what could happen if the courts began to intrude into society...... middle of paper ......n and women. With so much progress for women and the progress made over the years, I believe there are still some inequalities. However, inequalities arise from individual behavior and social practices, not our governmental system. With the constitution clearly defining equal rights, this leaves room for zero tolerance for inequalities on the basis of morals and values. I have come to believe that it depends on the person defining their own morals and values, which leads them to believe in equal rights. In conclusion, it seems that the attempt to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment benefited women, but now it also seems to solve the problems of men in society. To achieve true equality between men and women, these issues relating to both sexes should be seriously addressed. It's not just about equal rights for women, but now also for men..