Actions of the past discourage the pursuit of democracy in Islam. Islam and democracy are seen by many as not suitable together. However, there are many who believe they complement each other and strongly support it. Bhutto, prime minister, talks about the dominant misperception that democracy has failed because of Islam itself. The West is the biggest obstacle for the development of democracy. Bhutto once said, “Clearly it's not easy for women in modern society, no matter where they live. We still have to go the extra mile to prove that we are equal to men. We have to work longer hours and make more sacrifices.” This shows that Bhutto, being a woman, has resulted in more challenges for her to get her beliefs across. Since the beginning of time, women have always been seen as inferior to men. Hypothetically, if the roles were reversed, the idea may have possibly gotten more support and more people would have sided with the idea. Especially in countries like Islam, where the double standards are to a greater extent, the women there are treated completely different. Frequently, women are underestimated and depreciated. However, Bhutto is known all over the world for her fight and perseverance for democracy. Not only did she affect those in her country, she inspired women all over the world. Democracy is a greater and greater struggle each day in South Africa. Women do not have rights to vote. This is one of the many ways that men are superior to women. Nelson Mandela worked for a democracy in Africa. He once stated, "I have never regarded any man as my superior, either in my life outside or inside prison." This quote is significant because Nelson believes that no matter who you are or what you have done, each person is worthy of an equal life. A quote I found interesting in Bhutto states, “Humans share two relationships: one with God and one with another.” In God’s eyes, we are all looked at just as important and are as of just as much value as the person next to us. However, many of these systems do not liberate us with this value. Adding to this, the double standard between men and women contradicts God’s views. For a country that is so religious, they don’t value the same ideologies that God has bestowed upon us. Douglass, commonly known as the father of the civil rights movement, is an escaped slave who later led others to freedom. Douglass was first taught the alphabet by his slaveholder’s wife, until she was forbidden by her husband. However, Douglass obtained knowledge from boys on the street, in return for the bread he gave them. Douglass saw reading and writing as freedom. After Douglass escaped, he began to attend abolitionist movement meetings, soon becoming a speaker and a leader. Writings, speeches, poems, and books have sparked many inspirations for discussions and debates. Discussions and debates are heavily impactful for a change to be made. For example, many of Douglass’s autobiographies proposed for changes. In these writings, he used his own story to strive for freedoms for African Americans. His writings influenced the views people had on slavery. This sparked many changes. For instance, years after his autobiographies, the civil war arose. Along with Douglass, writings of Mandela and Bhutto have initiated change. Mandela’s most famous autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, has been a huge inspiration to many activists. For instance, his book stresses that to be remembered you have to challenge authority. Another thing learned from his writings and actions is to keep trying and pursuing what you believe.