Raft Assignment

5 Bedford Avenue

 Massapequa, New York 11758

March 22, 2012

Censorship Committee

72 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10002

Dear Committee:

As an active member of the National Organization for Women, I am demanding that “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman be published. This piece of literature allows women who read it to make a personal connection and know they are not alone. In refusing to publish, the committee is denying the public the opportunity to really get a firsthand account on what this “REST CURE” really does to people. This so-called cure is oppressing women until their breaking point.  People need to know that Mitchell’s “rest cure” is only making the patients that are prescribed it worse. Women with hysteria should be allowed to refuse this inhumane cure. The publication of “The Yellow Wallpaper” can open the eyes of the public allowing this treatment to be put to rest. Women will still allow themselves to be treated for their hysteria but in a safe and humane way.

The truth is exposed with every word Charlotte Perkins Gilman writes. These words expose the truth about how oppressive and cruel this cure really is. Mitchell’s “rest cure” is a fraud. This cure calls for patients to live in isolation for an extended period of time where they must continually rest. Patients are not allowed to do anything that would stimulate them. In fact, they are even fed food by someone else. This will go on until they are considered to be of sound mind. This cure really is just a time-out for women who start to question their role in society. This needs to be published to bring light onto this topic .The fact is that times are changing and women are starting to want something more in life. The fact that this cure is just oppressing them into submission is unjust. Women and men who read this piece of literature will understand that this cure is in fact the anti-cure. This valuable insight will allow women to refuse this treatment.

The committee refusing to publish “The Yellow Wallpaper” only shows how oppressive the society is to the freedom of women. Women should be treated with the same respect as men are treated with. This cure is actually pushing women further away from doing house hold duties by causing them to reach their breaking point and to go over the edge further. The solution may in fact be to let women pursue a life outside of the home in order to really cure them from there hysteria. This time will allow them to be of sane mind so they can do house household duties as well as be more of a free individual. This story will allow both men and women to receive the same fair treatments for hysteria. If published, this story could have endless effects on society. It is time to embrace the possibilities and publish. The committee will not regret what they have done. This one story is a vital stepping stone for women to be treated equally. This piece could change play a major role in society.

The publication of “The Yellow Wallpaper” would mean a lot to the National Organization for women and we look forward to your reply. There are strong hopes for you to approve this piece for everyone to have access to for generations to come. This will truly put an end to the unjust “rest cure”. We would also like to thank the committee for taking their time to read this letter and we hope to work together and make this all possible.  

Sincerely,

Brandon Miszke