By 1855, when the first edition of Leaves of Grass was published, the first Women's Convention had already taken place in Seneca Falls. According to Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass is a book for women. Sherry Ceniza's epigraph to Walt Whitman and the Women Reformers of the 19th Century quotes him as saying “Leaves of Grass is essentially a women's book: women know it, but every now and then a woman shows that she knows it” (Ceniza). The implication here combined with the lyrics of Song of Myself suggests an all-too-common phenomenon. Whitman is seen and sees himself as a poet across racial and gender distinctions but, like many in a position of privilege, their appropriation of the pain felt by these opposing groups only serves to make these communities uncomfortable. In Song of Myself by Walt Whitman represents women in various ways. In some cases he equals them, making them equal to men in his eyes, similar to what he does with the slave. In other passages he defends and honors them from the humiliating words and actions of other fellow countrymen. Despite some of his more receptive passages about women and their place in society, there are times when what Whitman says is problematic in the context of women's rights. Whitman's dynamic portrayal of women in Song of Myself highlights the fact that while he imagines himself as a forward-thinking male, a champion of women's rights in some cases, he cannot help but return women to where they have always been in literature. Despite all the inequalities in the world Whitman has a habit of appealing to the oppressed party in American society and blending in with them. His bold claims say that he too, regardless of his privilege, is part of this group...middle of paper...that sees women simply as receptacles for what Whitman gives them, Simpson doesn't understand the fact that Whitman he sees these women as inferior to him. Whitman mentions their protests as meaning that he cannot be deterred from what he wants. It implies that he believes he knows better, that even though a woman doesn't want him, he is more knowledgeable and knows it will be good for both them and society. Overall, Whitman's attitude reminds me of many people who claim to be part of a marginalized group. Whitman also does the same with the slave, he states that he feels pain, that he supports this group that has been systematically oppressed by the most privileged. However, Whitman's ideal of being part of this group is madness because while he attempts to support the woman in one poem, he makes sure to take away any agency he may have given her in the next poem..