Meaning: The quote, "This is rather different from the receptions I used to get fifty years ago. They threw things at me then but they were not roses," by Susan B. Anthony, reflects the significant changes in public reception and attitudes that she experienced over the course of her activism. Susan B. Anthony was a prominent American social reformer and women's rights activist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1820, Anthony dedicated her life to advocating for women's rights, including the right to vote, and her efforts paved the way for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920.

The quote captures the contrast between the hostile receptions Anthony faced earlier in her activism and the more positive and supportive receptions she received later in life. The reference to having things thrown at her, but not roses, serves as a metaphor for the adversities and opposition she encountered during the earlier stages of her advocacy. This could include verbal abuse, physical threats, and societal backlash for her outspoken views on women's rights. The absence of roses, which are often associated with love, beauty, and appreciation, symbolizes the lack of support and understanding for her cause during that time.

In the early years of her activism, Anthony faced intense resistance and hostility from those who opposed her advocacy for women's suffrage and other social reforms. She was often met with ridicule, condemnation, and even violence as she tirelessly campaigned for women's rights. The quote suggests that the receptions she received during this period were far from welcoming, with the implication that she endured significant hardship and opposition in her pursuit of equality and justice.

As time passed and the women's suffrage movement gained momentum, Anthony's efforts began to yield more positive results. The quote implies that the receptions she experienced later in her life were markedly different from those of fifty years prior. The reference to roses suggests a shift in the attitudes and sentiments of the public, indicating that Anthony began to receive recognition, appreciation, and support for her lifelong dedication to the cause of women's rights. The symbolism of roses conveys a sense of admiration, respect, and acceptance, reflecting the evolving societal attitudes towards Anthony and the movement she championed.

The quote serves as a powerful testament to Anthony's perseverance and unwavering commitment to her cause in the face of adversity. It highlights the transformative impact of her advocacy work and the shifting attitudes towards women's rights during her lifetime. Anthony's resilience in the face of opposition and the eventual shift towards greater acceptance and support for her cause underscore the profound impact of her contributions to the advancement of women's rights in the United States.

In conclusion, Susan B. Anthony's quote encapsulates the evolution of public reception and attitudes towards her activism over the course of fifty years. It serves as a poignant reflection of the challenges she faced, the progress she achieved, and the enduring legacy of her advocacy for women's rights. Anthony's words continue to resonate as a reminder of the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering dedication to a noble cause.