Reset Password
Reset Link Sent
| Blogs > spiritwoman45 > Life in the Canyon |
|
Why March? Another re posting of a blog originally developed for my personal site. After considerable thought I decided to post it here as well. Not becasue I expect anyone to agree with me but rather to show there is more to an issue than can be dismissed in a sentence or two. A couple of people, Maisie in particular, have posted several times that they consider marches and demonstrations of support whining. While I didn't go as far to pass such judgement I did not see any value in them either, other than an expression of anger, which is the first stage of the grief process. If someone truly feels a loss they have to go through all of the emotional steps of the process. The anger is indeed unpleasant but so are all of the steps in the grief process until we reach the final state, acceptance. I dismissed my own participation in marches and demonstrations during my student as as youthful enthusiasm and a naive beliefs that people gave a s**t what others thought or felt about anything. Anyway, here is my post. Maybe it will give some food for thought and as it did for me, a better understanding why public expression can be useful. Why March? 1/22/2017 I haven’t done this since my student days. Until the recent woman’s march I saw nothing but futility and waste of energy in this activity. However, the tremendous response and stories of some of the people’s reactions to have me thinking the issue. I can see how it might actually be worth something. Viewing life selfishly I have no need to march. I got the education I wanted and had a successful career in an occupation I wanted. I worked hard and literally plowed over barriers that would have stopped others before they even began, mostly because of my instilled work ethic and refusal to accept barriers. I found a “family friendly” employer with good benefits. The pay scale was based on criteria that were the same for all. I am able to establish credit in my own name and purchase property. I go where I want and do what I want. Retirement finds me with a good income that gives me the freedom of having a second career in work that would be impossible if I had to depend on it to support my family. However, I have come to realize that most do not have my drive to overcome and succeed or stubborn persistence. Of course there is my spiritual belief that I was called to do what I did which preempts any human barriers but that is not part of what I want to say here. Of course I dealt with obstacles based on gender discrimination but I was raised by a very strong grandmother, suffragette to be exact, and grew up on a farm where work was done based on ability not gender. Everyone worked, everyone played and everyone ate. There never was any question that I would go to college, although many occupational areas were discouraged. An aptitude test showed I would do well as a park ranger but the guidance counselor, a woman, said that girls didn’t do that. I was just as happy with my other choices. I did face issues of sexual harassment while working in traditional female occupations. When I was a waitress a customer grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let me go. I poured the gravy I had in the other hand on him. When I worked in an office one of the men ran his hand up under my skirt when I was delivering the mail. I smacked him with the telephone (an old 60’s style desk model). Fortunately, in addition to being a blond who looked good in a mini skirt and could type I had a good mind developed by a good education, a healthy dose of self-esteem with the belief that women were just as good as or better than men in any area got me through. Add to that my father’s attitude - “Telling me I can’t do something means the Hell I can’t. Just watch me” So then why would I march? I have daughters, granddaughters, and nieces. I do not want things to go backwards so they need to deal with the same barriers and harassment I plowed my way over. My granddaughter is considering West Point. Even without taking several steps backward this won’t be an easy road for her. She will prevail no matter what. She is an honor student, emotionally sound and mature and knock out gorgeous. She was raised in equality and has inherited the family female determination and strength. We have done our best to give her the confidence, self-esteem and support she needs to take on any of life’s challenges. My nieces are finishing up college. One already works full time and has a job secured in business management. The other is headed to law school with the goal of becoming a specialist in environmental law and the related political activity. So far they have been raised to believe that gender has no effect on their goals and so far it hasn't. They are smart, athletic, artistic, emotionally healthy, kind caring human beings and very attractive. Thanks to a liberal social climate they have been able to achieve to their potential so far. However, they are both headed towards occupations where gender decimation, good old boy favoritism, and sexual harassment are still active. Any steps back threaten their progress to reach their goals. Don’t see their strength as lack of femininity or interest in relationships. They have more than their fair share of admirers and have had boyfriends and significant others since they were in high school, all of who appreciate and respect them and support their goals. Yes, I am happy with my life. The only obstacles I face are ageism and normal physical decline attributable to aging, both of which, true to my nature, I am able to use the stereotypes to my advantage and laugh . However I will join those who oppose any reactionary practices with respect to gender for the next generation of women, to insure they have the same opportunities without having to battle with additional factors due to things they have no control over. I will also continue doing everything I can to insure the others I represent don’t have to go backwards. There is the young man my sister took in after his parents disowned him because he is gay. A couple of weeks ago he was sexually harassed by an older man customer while he was working (Starbucks). When he rebuffed the harasser the man’s answer “Come on, it’s 2017 and it’s legal “. I will continue to do what I can to make sure people like my sister and Chuck’s brother do not lose their medical coverage. Both have significant on going medical issues. They work full time but at low paying jobs with no employer provided medical coverage. My sister works 3 chronically part time jobs. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure my disabled residents continue to get the services they need to literally survive. I will do all I can to make sure that those who have disabilities are not sent back to the status of the circus freak show . I will continue to do all that I can to see that with learning disabilities have access to the services they need to get an education. I will do all I can to see that those who do not meet the current standards of “beauty” are given a fair chance and are not bullied. I will do what I can to make sure that the “working poor” get the supplemental help they need. I will do what I can to make sure abused women and have the resources they need to escape their situations. Yes, I may be “sitting pretty” and should just enjoy life but to do so would make my no better a person than those who are doing their best to take things away from the neediest and least able to advocate for themselves. For me it’s not now nor has it ever been about me. I’m still not sure about marching but won’t eliminate the possibility because what I see from the results of the “woman’s march” is that it shows those in need that they are not forgotten, they are not alone and someone will defend them. When a person is at the bottom of despair the encouragement of being shown that they are not alone and forgotten means as much as any other form of help. My spiritually driven life comes back into play. Yes I will continue to meditate practice thankfulness, thoughtfulness and forgiveness and set intentions (pray in Christian terms) but it will not end there. I am waiting for the Universe to reveal the way and opportunity. I will know it when I see it. I am still here in this life so my terms of service are not over yet. Spiritwoman ^i^ |
|||
1/23/2017 3:27 pm |
post Spiritwoman ^i^
| ||
|
Good blog Spirit! The women of today got many of their rights because women in the past marched and protested.
| ||
|
Great blog, Spirit... like yourself, I am very self-sufficient etc and don't find a need to march, period! I also agree and reiterate Rocketship's sentiments! Bravo!!! 
| ||
|
I didn't read your entire blog, and I don't no matter who writes them if they are long. Which should take nothing away from you and what you said. I can not say, and will not say you are are wrong. Because we are who/what We are. What concerns me is reality. Trump is the guy who got the job. The other guy (candidate) was unqualified (yes I know about the popular vote). If We are gonna 'meltdown' (extreme cases) over this 'brute' I think it is naive to give a pass to (and forget) those with a more likable? personality whose sins are legend. If the ladies are not happy (obviously), saying so NOW, is good. The 'spokeswomen' we heard all day for the ladies are what? (TF). BTW, we have your future pool water in our mountains! So be nice  jk
| ||
|
Defining the "march" is what we try to do. You have done it better than most. It's important to understand those who oppose the march, what's their goal. I hate it when those in the march don't see it, and believe their own interests, supersede the march. Pro-life people, people of color, even going as far as saying women's right. To define this march is to undermine it. That's what the opponents want to do, that what the opponents want YOU to do. They understand the specificity of the march provides automatic opponents, that can be cultivated, to destroy the real purpose of the march. When I think of the march.... I think of three things. Human rights Human value Honesty In combination, any the specific results of the march, is not a win, if all do not win, then no one wins. In combination, all the current issues, are dealt with. The march was a base unity that does not define the issues, but defines America.. History will record this march, as a great event. As long as we don't make the march about something, but about everything.
| ||
|
What i hope comes from march. is that black people, no longer have the perception, that it just white people. It much bigger than that. That immigrants see, their problems and their toils are not just there's That women see, it's not Us against them. They are all together, all the same There's a bigger picture that encompasses them all. Injustices although specific in view, are but a symptoms of a disease, to cure one is to cure all. That is the goal, to realize no one issue is more important, than another. they all are important. they all affect each other. to support Human rights. to hold Human values and to fight dishonesty..... Serves everybody and everything, without it, no one can win.
| ||
|
This march may seem to be a warning to Republicans, and those currently in office. but it's much bigger than that. It's a warning to Democrats too. Don't be fooled that the specificity of the Liberal platform, supports the meaning. I keep thinking about a motto, of the Revolution and the Unity that came with it. , and the State of Missouri. "DON'T TREAD ON ME" and "SHOW ME"
| ||
1/24/2017 9:08 am |
Defining the "march" is what we try to do. You have done it better than most. It's important to understand those who oppose the march, what's their goal. I hate it when those in the march don't see it, and believe their own interests, supersede the march. Pro-life people, people of color, even going as far as saying women's right. To define this march is to undermine it. That's what the opponents want to do, that what the opponents want YOU to do. They understand the specificity of the march provides automatic opponents, that can be cultivated, to destroy the real purpose of the march. When I think of the march.... I think of three things. Human rights Human value Honesty In combination, any the specific results of the march, is not a win, if all do not win, then no one wins. In combination, all the current issues, are dealt with. The march was a base unity that does not define the issues, but defines America.. History will record this march, as a great event. As long as we don't make the march about something, but about everything. They are also the views of someone who can see beyond them self - in other words altruism, compassion, empathy etc. So much is possible if we can get beyond our selfishness. then being anything less than selfish is considered unamerican - at least these days. It's simple really. If people of all faiths just took a look at and lived their core values we would not have all of these social problems. Spiritwoman ^i^
| ||
1/24/2017 9:11 am |
Good blog Spirit! The women of today got many of their rights because women in the past marched and protested. Spiritwoman ^i^
| ||
1/24/2017 9:13 am |
Great blog, Spirit... like yourself, I am very self-sufficient etc and don't find a need to march, period! I also agree and reiterate Rocketship's sentiments! Bravo!!! Spiritwoman ^i^
| ||
1/24/2017 9:15 am |
Another very interesting read from you. Short on time but I'll try to get back here tomorrow to follow up. You write fascinating blogs I find very rare here. When I participate in these events my objective is almost entirely that to listen rather than make the statement. I find other ways to accomplish that. I'm very rarely disappointed in what I learn. To my surprise, many many people participate for exactly the same reason...to listen. I think you do listen, and that is why I'm sure you are one heck of a great social support influence. Spiritwoman ^i^
| ||
1/24/2017 9:18 am |
I didn't read your entire blog, and I don't no matter who writes them if they are long. Which should take nothing away from you and what you said. I can not say, and will not say you are are wrong. Because we are who/what We are. What concerns me is reality. Trump is the guy who got the job. The other guy (candidate) was unqualified (yes I know about the popular vote). If We are gonna 'meltdown' (extreme cases) over this 'brute' I think it is naive to give a pass to (and forget) those with a more likable? personality whose sins are legend. If the ladies are not happy (obviously), saying so NOW, is good. The 'spokeswomen' we heard all day for the ladies are what? (TF). BTW, we have your future pool water in our mountains! So be nice jkSpiritwoman ^i^
| ||
|
]My views are those cultivated from a life time in the trenches with all who are victims of something. They are also the views of someone who can see beyond them self - in other words altruism, compassion, empathy etc. So much is possible if we can get beyond our selfishness. then being anything less than selfish is considered unamerican - at least these days. It's simple really. If people of all faiths just took a look at and lived their core values we would not have all of these social problems. Each of Us reflects the whole. I don't choose to define some are wrong and some are right Like you, I choose to define it as.... some as honest and some are not. I just don't see evil, like other people do. I have faith in peoples humanity, when "other" things, don't get in the way. I choose to say if your honest to yourself then you're right. If you can get by the roadblocks to your honesty, then you're doing right..
|
×
×