"We ask justice, we ask equality, we ask that all the civil and political rights that belong to citizens of the United States, be guaranteed to us and our daughters forever."
—Susan B. Anthony, Declaration of Rights for Women, July 1876
One of the main reasons I finally decided to start venting here is because of all the crap women have had to put up with - especially within the last several weeks. I know I don't need to explain myself here because TONS of men and women alike have been writing about Rush's tangents, various panels and parties attempted conquering, and certain wing nuts trying to put women back well over 100 years. I wondered what I could write and how it would be different but I don't think it needs to be. My thoughts, feelings, and opinions are what they are and I don't think I need to write a personal back-story as many of you will soon find out my current and future feelings on the subject very soon.
I have been chatting with a few women I admire this week. They were young adults in the 60s and 70s and they told me that what women have been facing in just the last few weeks is just as bad if not worse that what they were facing back then. One mentioned a BIG difference this time around it seems more and more men understand our fight. For that I am grateful. Do you think this many men would have come forward with negative feedback about Rush's comments in the 60s and 70s? How about back in the 1870s?
In the last few weeks I have been labeled a feminist, communist, and lesbian just for being a girl scout when I was young. I have been called a slut and prostitute just for taking the pill in my past. The Republican Party sure is doing a bang-up-job with recruiting new party members by calling these people, organizations, and interests out - aren't they?
"There never will be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers."
—Susan B. Anthony
Over the years Feminists and Feminism have gotten a bad rap - why? Or should I say...from who(m)? I guess all of these thoughts DO make me a feminist. I'm fine with that. I have always been in some way, shape, or form. I know it's cliche but History Really DOES repeat itself and NOW is that time...feminists and feminism is is back in the forefront. Some people out there despise it - but it's because of THOSE people - it's back and stronger than ever!
"You can do one of two things; just shut up, which is something I don't find easy, or learn an awful lot very fast, which is what I tried to do."
—Jane Fonda
The older I get - the more I realize...I have a harder and harder time "shutting up". Is that a bad thing? That is what THEY want, tho, right?
What year is it again?
"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got."
—Janis Joplin
Seriously, tho, if we don't say or do something - who will?
"People think at the end of the day that a man is the only answer [to fulfillment]. Actually a job is better for me."
—Princess Diana
That's right! It's OUR JOB...to think, say, feel, DO. I REFUSE to go backwards 50 years, 60 years, 100 years, 125 years or more! If we don't continue to stand up for ourselves - no one else will - and that's exactly where we will be headed!
"Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
—Eleanor Roosevelt
There are many days that I feel down - that the world is against me - that I am the only one who thinks and feels a certain way. Eleanor's quote is hard to remember sometimes - but I try my very best!
"I am also very proud to be a liberal. Why is that so terrible these days? The liberals were liberators—they fought slavery, fought for women to have the right to vote, fought against Hitler, Stalin, fought to end segregation, fought to end apartheid. Liberals put an end to child labor and they gave us the five day work week! What's to be ashamed of?"
—Barbra Streisand
I guess my last thought - my last question - for now is...
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? And will you come along?