10/07/2022
Vanessa Jarman
My daughters have taught me that these days being “feminist” means being overtly zealous in a way that demeans men. And it’s not cool, to them. This is the 2020’s. They want equality, but not female totalitarianism.
My father taught me with pride, that being feminist meant you gave room for women to speak and be heard and to learn from their wisdom, and respect it always. To encourage, and be grateful and vulnerable to the brilliance of women. And it wasn’t cool, to others. This was the 1980’s. Hes proud of that, and I’m proud of him for it, except for the part that it even has to be acknowledged…
I don’t know much about what that means for my daughter and her generation other than this:
They believe that they live in a world where being female has nothing to do with how they are perceived.
They believe that in fact anatomy is irrelevant.
They believe that each individual exists in this world undefined by s*x, or race, or s*xuality, or disability, or culture.
You want to be you? Ok! Whatevs…and that’s awesome. Be you. Let me know what you want to be called and let you be okay if I get it wrong for a bit cos it’s not intentional… I’m learning, not judging. (This part has some reverse animosity they’re still navigating, but they’re trying with the right intentions)
RBG gave women and all people throughout the world many a vital message.
This one is the most powerful to me.
Whoever you are, and no matter what beliefs have been fed to you:
NO ONE gets to choose how big or small you are. Only you do.
It’s pressing. Sure. Painful too, at times.
Man, woman, non-binary, trans, child, whatever, whomever you choose to be, there will be those who are grateful for the strength of your shoulders…. And there are those who stand on your neck.
Sometimes, it will be hard to know which is which.
Your unconscious. That core belief inside you. Will always know. And will tell you. If not in your mind, then in your body.
Listen.
Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually.
Who is rising up, gratefully, on your shoulders?
And who is pushing down, even unknowingly, on your neck?
Where do you stand?
Shoulder? Or neck?
And do you take turns?
There’s an old saying that speaks volumes:
Be the change you wish to see in the world”
Are you complaining? Or are you being what you want to see emulated?
RGB made the choice. To BE what she wanted to SEE. And to KNOW she mattered enough. And she was worth it.
Tough question… what are you choosing?