Good Girls Revolt
As several cities across America (and the world) take to the streets with the Women's March today, I thought it would only be nice and right to reflect on the journey thus far. And, also what this means for us as we march to the future.
Lessons from our predecessors
The Amazon series, Good Girls Revolt, is a good reminder to us women about why we take a stand against sexism. This series, inspired by Lynn Povich's book about the gender discrimination lawsuit filed by 46 Newsweek women in 1970, takes us back to a time when the only roles women were allowed in the workplace were support roles. Traditionally, we played support roles in the home, but that trend continued even in the workplace. Until the time when women like these just could not stand it anymore - because really why can't a woman do anything a man can? If we strive for a peaceful and equal planet, why in the world is there so much discrimination and bias especially when it comes to women and minorities?
Looking back at such revolutions from history, the greatest victories have come when we have united and fought together. There is strength in numbers and when the cause is greater than one's own self, it is easy to come together. Great acts influence other great acts and inspire future generations. Like we are doing today marching for women's rights, which we feel are in peril. We march to support and inspire each other to honor and protect our diversity, freedom and human rights. Just looking at the number of women from around the country (and world) that are standing up for us is very inspiring. Really nothing of value comes by luck; it is won by pain and sacrifice. So, where do we go from here?
Let's look to the future
And be whoever we want to be! #OwnIt
I am borrowing the complete text from this blog post, The Struggle, because it always touches me and makes me feel invincible. And, I think every woman in this country would love to share this feeling with me today.
@Jane,
So, many women in my life have asked for my advice on work, love and relationships. God knows I’m no expert but I do know what I’ve seen. And I find that they’re stuck in an emotional limbo on a continuum somewhere between the romanticism of a 1954 housewife and the strength and leadership of a 1972 feminist on the road to equality with her fellow man. This makes it somewhat cloudy for a woman of the new millennium to find her place. Her place as a wife, a lover, a CEO, an intern, a mother or simply a girl coming of age. Where do you fit in; what is your role?
From the outside, as a man & supporter, I say it’s wherever YOU want it to be. Make your own rules on that continuum. You can be all of it or none of it, it’s all yours for the taking. To get what you want, however, you can’t play the martyr. Allow the lines to blur. If you meet a guy out at a party and exchange numbers, don’t sit and wait for him to call you, you call him if you’re feeling it. Conversely, allow a man to be chivalrous, to open your door or pull out your chair. I’ve seen you bitch far too many times because ‘he hasn’t called’ or you didn’t get that promotion. Find your own balance and do what you feel in your heart. Do what moves you and don’t be bound by any feminine baggage that has been left on your doorstep by men over the last century.
Being strong & successful doesn’t mean you can’t be flirty & feminine and vice versa. You making the first move doesn’t make you less of a girl and leaving work at a timely hour doesn’t make you less of a woman. The power you have as a women is endless and once tapped, unmeasurable.
