With the recent rise to power of highly controversial political figures, it feels like this International Women's Day is being celebrated under a particularly heavy cloud of doom. Now more than ever, oppressed groups of all variations have been gathering in protest of the circus-peanut-in-chief’s dark rhetoric, and women of all backgrounds are leading the charge.
The Women’s March: 2 Fast 2 Furious
The group behind the famed Women’s March have utilized this day as an opportunity to strike again, arranging “A Day Without A Woman” in an effort to show the world where it would be without women.
The strike has already had dramatic global impacts, with schools having to shut down for lack of teachers, and a large group of women including Linda Sarsour (co-chair of The Women’s March) even being arrested outside of the Trump International Hotel for neglecting to stay off of the roads while protesting.
I feel compelled to note that during my own trip to New York City in December, the large amount of security surrounding Trump Tower provided an obstacle for all civilians of Fifth Avenue so unsubtle and undeniable that it could only be likened to constipation.
I don't mean to suggest that it makes the “disorderly conduct” of protestors any more legal of course, just that the teams arresting protesters for blocking the streets while simultaneously maintaining the obstructive protective bubble around Melania’s golden tower don’t appear to see the irony of the situation.
Internet-ional Women’s Day
(Sorry about that pun but I enjoy the creative freedom.) In addition to the activism efforts popping up all over the world this International Women’s Day, trends of women and men alike speaking in tribute to their female heroes have been circulating about the internet. #SheInspiresMe has been trending on twitter, providing an appropriately-named catalyst for people to credit their inspirations.
In my own celebration of the day, I have faced some philosophical conflict as to how I should do so. I proudly marched in solidarity with the protests in January and felt an obligation to join the sequel strike today as well. On the other hand, the only work I have to remove myself from is my job as part of the infamous “enemy-of-the-people” free press.
I struggled to decide whether I could contribute more as a “fake, biased, so-called” journalist covering the monumental events of the day or as a protestor myself. Additionally, the fact that I am not exactly rich and could use the money complicates thing further.
While I obviously opted for the former, I have been happy to utilize the various hashtags to voice my support for the movement and women everywhere. For me, #SheInspiresMe immediately brought to mind women like Hedy Lamarr (historic inventor, actress, and absolute fashion wizard), Marsha P. Johnson (profound trans activist, drag queen, and Stonewall veteran) and Sylvia Robinson (record producer credited as being the reason hip hop made it to vinyl), as well as more well-known ladies like Kathleen Hanna, Cher, and every single democratic woman in Congress.
Women in history who have inspired us
While not everyone may be able to participate in the more direct demonstrations of feminist pride today, it is a good day for everyone (of all genders) to reflect on the women throughout history who have inspired us, and to provide support for the women doing amazing things now.-
Note: In addition to the vast amount of groups doing fantastic work for women (such as Planned Parenthood, R.A.I.N.N., Girls Write Now, and the Global Fund For Women), consider adding Emily’s List to your feminist organization arsenal. They help recruit, prepare, mobilize, fund, and research the careers of potential female politicians with the goal of diversifying the perspectives that our government represents.
