Think of submitting our measure to the advice of politicians! I would as soon submit the subject of the equality of a goose to a fox.

Anna Howard Shaw’s quote, “Think of submitting our measure to the advice of politicians! I would as soon submit the subject of the equality of a goose to a fox,” uses a striking metaphor to criticize the role of politicians in making decisions about equality, particularly in the context of women’s rights. Shaw, a prominent American suffragist, physician, and leader in the women’s rights movement, is expressing her skepticism about relying on politicians, who she believes may not have the best interests of women in mind. The metaphor of asking a fox to advise on the equality of a goose suggests that those in positions of power may not be impartial or fair when it comes to advocating for equality, particularly for groups they seek to dominate.

In this statement, Shaw argues that the issue of equality—especially women’s equality—should not be left in the hands of politicians, who may have their own biases and vested interests. The idea of a fox advising on the equality of a goose suggests that the fox, as a predator, would have no genuine interest in ensuring fairness. Similarly, Shaw implies that politicians may be more concerned with maintaining the status quo of power rather than pushing for true equality. Her frustration is evident in the comparison, which highlights the imbalance of power that existed, particularly for women, during the early 20th century.

Shaw’s words reflect the broader discontent felt by suffragists and feminists of the time, who believed that the political system was not designed to protect or promote women's rights. The reference to equality here is rooted in the suffrage movement, as women were fighting for the right to vote, work, and participate equally in public life. Shaw, like many of her contemporaries, felt that political leaders—especially male politicians—were unlikely to push for laws or policies that would grant equality to women.

Ultimately, Shaw’s quote is a sharp critique of the political process and the people who controlled it during her time. By comparing the politicians to a fox and the issue of equality to the fate of a goose, she vividly underscores her belief that women's rights could not be left to those who were invested in preserving the existing power structures. It serves as both a warning and a call to action for women to take their own cause into their hands, rather than trusting those who might actively work against it.