The emancipation of today displays itself mainly in cigarettes and shorts. There is even a reaction from the ideal of an intellectual and emancipated womanhood, for which the pioneers toiled and suffered, to be seen in painted lips and nails, and the return of trailing skirts and other absurdities of dress which betoken the slave-woman's intelligent companionship.

Summary

This quote criticizes the notion of emancipation in the contemporary society. It suggests that modern ideas of freedom and liberation are reduced to superficial expressions like smoking cigarettes and wearing short clothing. The quote also points out the contrast between the ideal of an intellectual and emancipated woman, which early advocates fought for, and the current trend of women conforming to societal expectations through appearance and fashion choices. The regressive return to archaic and restrictive elements of dress symbolizes the loss of true emancipation and the intelligent presence of women in society.

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