A handful of weeks ago, I thought about writing this post – and I want to add that it also had a great title at the time (I specifically remember thinking, “WOW, that’s a BOMB title!”). As it happens, I can’t recall it (*pulls out hair in frustration*) and this post remains title-less until it comes to me (and it probably will in a nightmare at 3 AM).
It’s no surprise to anyone that election season is upon us. From yard signs to commercials, robocalls to door-knockers, endless mailings to equally endless arguments on social media — we’re bombarded with the need to cast our votes in the “election of our lifetime.”
Well, it is important. I remember feeling apathetic about the entire system as a younger adult — skeptical that my opinion would make a difference in a world overrun by power-hungry men and the systems designed to give it to them. After expressing my indifference, an older woman once said, “shame on you, forgetting the suffragettes and their struggle.” This woman was right. Privilege comes in many forms and I had never truly considered the work, effort, and sacrifice made by countless women to enshrine my right to vote.
Suffragettes – the beginning of the sisterhood
The suffragette movement began before the Civil War and gained momentum into the turn of the 20th century as women took on many of the traditional/patriarchal roles of men during the First World War — hammering in the point that women are crucial to the country and should be considered citizens worthy to vote (at that time, the 14th Amendment granted “citizens”…defined as white men and eventually Black men in 1870 with the 15th Amendment…the right to vote). That’s right. Women weren’t considered citizens, folks.
Women earned their right to vote not through timidity and politeness — but through tenacious vigor and brazen persistence. They marched, yelled, dumped leaflets out of planes, were arrested, refused to eat while jailed, and were sometime physically attacked for their efforts. Even after the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote, it was years before Black, Native American, Latinx, and Asian American women would be able to vote throughout the country.
“Well-behaved women seldom make history…”
Womanhood is an interesting thing. Centuries of human history have shown us that women are often confined within a neat package of expectations — wrapped, taped, and topped with a plush velvet bow. We are pushed towards a life filled with contradictions — to embrace femininity while being careful not to show too much cleavage (or Lord forbid, our ass — because then, how will a man resist — don’t be one of the girls ‘asking for it’), to desire a family and children without abandoning a reasonable career, to pursue an education accepting that we will, overall, make less than our equal male counterparts, to smile (because we never smile enough) but we mustn’t allow ourselves to be too assertive or overly confident because then we’re unapproachable and abrasive (and who wants to be around that hot mess…be desirable but, you know, not too desirable). **also, this shirt is my fave**
We’re a diverse group, us womenfolk. If you’re a female reading this right now, you might relate to one or two of the above issues. The truth is, we all have stories to tell, victories to share, and wounds that cut deep — leaving us absent for words. We have our own opinions based on our unique experience with the world, our families, and our upbringing. But we also have a shared history as women — a history interwoven with sexism, ageism, domestic violence, and inequality. On average, 30% of women have been subject to domestic or sexual violence by their partner. Regardless of their relationship status, one in five women have been sexually assaulted. Elections come and go — but the issues faced by women remain.
Like the placards waved by our suffragette sisters, the stakes are high. Healthcare and medical freedom for women is important and is in jeopardy. The United States has the highest maternal death rate in any developed country. Black women are 2.6 times more likely to die than white women while pregnant or shortly after giving birth. The existing disparity among minorities will only worsen if women are barred from receiving the medical care and choices they need. These decisions affect the most vulnerable in our society and they deserve better. We, as women, deserve better.
So, I dressed up one of my skeletons as a suffragette — explaining to my children that the suffragettes of the past worked tirelessly for our ability to choose a better life, to work towards freedom for women. I’m reminded that it’s not something to take for granted — that we must continue the work of the women that came before us — that even in the face of insurmountable division, we are all a part of the sisterhood, we all have much to gain together.
And, if somehow you find me less likable after reading my words, well, that’s okay (honestly, I’m always floored when anyone genuinely likes me for me….I mean, I have a year-round skeleton garden in my front yard, folks). But I ask you to consider what that means for you and what that says about how we’ve been led to think about “us vs. them.”
Not sure if you’re registered to vote? Want to check your voter status? Check your registration and register to vote, HERE
Peace, love, & light…and FIRE (after coffee….and a slice of triple-layered chocolate cake),
Sources/Reading Material
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2021/maternal-mortality-rates-2021.htmhttps://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/the-fight-for-womens-suffrage
https://www.history.com/news/19th-amendment-voter-suppression
This was a refreshing way to spend my internet time on today. I appreciate the inclusiveness and focus on both person and group narratives.
“A refreshing way to spend my internet time today” is the very best feedback and I’m so glad it was meaningful for you Carolina. I really do appreciate your words.