Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History

I was reflecting and thinking back fondly to my time as a Campus Minister, and as I did so a heart-warming moment filled my mind.  The women's group that I worked with often talked about the role of being a Christian woman in a modern world hungry for success and making a name.  The group was often perplexed by the double standards of society when it came to women and men and how women who took a stand were often frowned upon as making waves.  The quote, "Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History" that I have often seen plastered on car bumpers, signs, and t-shirts was heavy on their hearts.  These brilliant women took this to prayer and their prayers were dominated by the Joan of Arcs, the Mother Teresas, the Catherine of Sienas, and so many more courageous Christian women who took a stand (some were considered to be behaving badly and some went unnoticed.)

Regardless of the opinions of these women in their day, the fact is that this quote has picked up negative connotations throughout the years as a feminist battle-cry, when in fact it's author generated it from her study of "the silent work of ordinary people," particularly women.

Ulrich said of this quote and of history-making in general:
“Some history-making is intentional; much of it is accidental. People make history when they scale a mountain, ignite a bomb, or refuse to move to the back of the bus. But they also make history by keeping diaries, writing letters, or embroidering initials on linen sheets. History is a conversation and sometimes a shouting match between present and past, though often the voices we most want to hear are barely audible. People make history by passing on gossip, saving old records, and by naming rivers, mountains, and children. Some people leave only their bones, though bones too make a history when someone notices.” 
― Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History

I must say that when it comes down to it, I am a real fan of Ulrich's definition of making history, and I find a place in it for all humanity, and not just the loudest and most boisterous among us.

The women's group on the campus I worked concluded from their pondering by making t-shirts that read, "Who Says Good Women Never Make History?" and on the back they each had an image of their patron saint; hundreds of powerful and influential women to choose from who are forever remembered in history!