As a mother and a lady, I have a few issues with the Women’s March on Washington. I’m pretty sure this post will not be a popular one among many groups, but I just don’t think I can keep my thoughts to myself of this one. After all, one of the things I love about my blog is that it is my place to say whatever I want, to write whatever I want. I’ve never been one for controversy, nor have I been particularly opinionated about politics. In fact, the ONE post I’ve written about a political topic, the laughable idea of Donald Trump becoming our next president, and why I’m not surprised about his popularity, took a crazy turn when he actually swept the election and is now the 45th President of the United States. Seriously.
Back to the topic at hand- the Women’s March on Washington (and other places throughout the United States). To be honest, I am saddened and disheartened. I am discouraged and a bit ashamed. While I agree wholeheartedly with the cause of the march, equal rights, equal treatment, and protection for all, regardless of perceived differences I can’t help but cringe at some obvious crudites, ridiculous timing, and mostly, those forgotten in our message.
Throughout history, women have gathered in solidarity to make great advancements in our place in the world. Voting, equal pay for equal work, and equal treatment just to name a few. These accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable in a world that from birth, women are told simply to be pretty and keep our mouths shut. Amazing, remarkable women filled with grace and determination have worked tirelessly and sacrificed everything to bring about change in our world. Take for example our former First Lady, Michelle Obama. Whether you agree about her politics or not, you must agree that she is a remarkable woman, filled with grace, elegance, and dignity. Instead of following the millions of examples of graceful and strong women in our history, today we chose a different approach. We resort to name calling and foul language, giving a whole new definition to “un-lady like.”
What is Our Legacy?
Here it is 2017. After all these phenomenal women have gone before us and fought for our basic freedoms, this is how we decide to follow in their footsteps? To march on Washington wearing “p*ssy hats”, calling ourselves “nasty b*tches,” and wearing t-shirts emblazoned with vaginas? Is this really the legacy we want to leave behind for our children? How can we expect anyone to take us seriously using the same language to describe ourselves as a 13 year old boy does? This is NOT the legacy I want to leave behind for my children. Advancements in equal rights and equal treatment for all are made with education and perseverance, not foul language and derogatory name calling. Swapping “nasty” words in retort to others is tantamount to sticking our tongue out and shouting, “nah nah nah nah nah.” Crude language becomes the focus of our message, and what we are really trying to fight for, sadly, gets lost. I’m all for “girl power” and raising strong, confident young women but using foul language does nothing to further our message or help our cause be taken seriously.
Everyone is Shouting, No One is Listening
When everyone is shouting at the same time, no one can make sense of anything that is being said. All involved are left feeling angry and frustrated. That is exactly what is going on in our country right now. Everyone from all sides is shouting, wanting their voice to be heard, wanting their message to be the strongest and loudest. Social media is filled with messages of dissension, from all sides. The timing of this march couldn’t be worse. There are thousands of protests, rallies, and marches going on all over the United States both for and against the recent inauguration of President Trump. If you throw the Women’s March on Washington into the fray, it is nothing but another headline in a newsfeed already littered with dissension. Again, the message gets lost.
What are we missing?
Finally, and most importantly, if our march is to protect the rights of all marginalized humans, aren’t the most victimized and the most forgotten ones, our unborn children? At an estimated 40-50 million victims of abortions a year, why aren’t these, the most defenseless among us, being mentioned? Why are their lives and rights so easily forgotten in this march? Moreover, and the reason this is so upsetting to me, is that it is these very same women, who fight so fiercely for the marginalized among us, also work so hard to deny the basic right to life for the unborn.
I’m sure this post will not win me any popularity contests. I’m pretty sure it will probably cost me some readers and sadly maybe even some friends. I don’t write this to “stir the pot” nor to disagree with the message we wish to convey with our March on Washington. I feel compelled to write this as a mother, an educator, and not just a woman, but a lady. Ladies don’t feel the need to resort to foul language to prove a point, ladies know that timing and education is everything, and ladies know the true value of every. single. life.
So ladies, who is with me?
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I think you bring up some very good points. The vulgarity of language is unfortunate. I was reading the supposed message of the movement and it is a good idea. Too bad it gets lost in the presentation.
I’m with you. I am not going to lie, I don’t entirely understand the purpose of the March or its origins, but I am with you on he fact that people get nowhere with name calling, lack of communication and lost messages.
I am so glad you have written this post, it is your opinion wiphich you are absolutely entitled to. Xx
I agree with most of your ideals. However as someone who has been writing about women’s issues and intersectional feminism for 6 years, I understand shouting and swearing.
This isn’t new. In the UK the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1970. It still hasn’t been instituted in government institutions.
After a while you realise you have been waiting and placating for long enough. I’m polite, logical and persuasive every single day. Now I have had enough. I’m not being listened to.
Personally I advocate a women’s general strike day. It’s been effective in Poland – among other nations – but let us shout. And throw crockery if necessary for our health.
I totally agree with you.
I don”t think using cuss words helps with anything. And I understand wanting equal rights and everything, but a lot of women use the abortion excuse as a contraceptive method. To me that is very sad! I know someone who told me one of their friends has already done 8 abortions! I was appalled…I’m a mom, and, even though my daughter wasn’t planned, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me:)