Jul

1

Sitting in the Company of Greatness

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Filed Under Powerful Women | By Tim Love | Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend an evening out with a large group of primarily women. These were important women in my life, including my partner, and our main connection was the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center we either had worked at or were still working at – the center where I first became involved in this work directly. We were having a blast and unwinding, in a way that only such close friends and/or people who’ve worked so closely with violence on a consistent basis can. At one point in the night, I just sat back and looked down at either end of the table, and I was overwhelmed, inspired and humbled. I realized I was sitting in the company of greatness.

Maria Limón, TCFV prevention team member, recently reminded how easy it is for us to forget the daily acts of courage and success we are witness to – that this society we live in requires us to look for greatness elsewhere and to focus on the overwhelming nature of our struggle to end violence without seeing what amazing work we’ve already done. Sitting at that table, this idea rang as true as ever. In a sexist and violent society, I was sitting with a group of over 10 women who dedicated themselves to taking on that sexism and violence on a daily basis. There were mothers, students, directors of programs and front line staff. Each one of these women was radical, though they wouldn’t all identify as such. They resist violence against women in their work, and they also have survived and actively struggled against the sexism, violence and degradation they face in their own lives.

Active resistance against oppression is a radical act, and it is important to recognize it as such. As I sat there listening to their laughter in the face of such violence, not a dismissive laughter, but a triumphant and defiant laughter, I was reminded of how lucky I’ve been to work with such amazing women throughout my life.

Tell us about the women you work with and the women in your lives who are part of the resistance against the sexism and violence they face daily. Help us be inspired, like I was that night a few weeks ago and continue to be everyday.

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Mar

25

Feminism in the Formative Years

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Filed Under Uncategorized | By Rose Luna | 1 Comment

childDuring spring break my daughter (7 years old), nephews (13 and 9 years old) and I journeyed to Book People. While perusing, my 13 year-old nephew inquired, “Was Jesus really a Feminist?” He was referring to a book in my stack titled Jesus Was a Feminist by Leonard Swindler. “What does feminism mean to you?” I asked. “Girls who are mean to boys,” he replied. I asked the same question to the others. “I have no clue,” answered the 9 year-old. “The President!!” answered my daughter (an ardent Hillary supporter). She followed up with, “someone who is nice and fights for freedom.”

I seized the opportunity to discuss the principles of feminism in terms familiar to them. At the end of the conversation each child had a basic understanding of feminism and how it effects the lives of BOTH girls and boys. “Why did Sarah Palin not consider herself a feminist?” asked the 13 year-old. His knowledge of politics and his ability to construct a profound query based on our brief conversation blew me away. Sarah Palin and feminism in the same sentence is a subject for another day, however his curiosity raises an excellent question.

I believe children are feminists in the making. “Girls can do anything boys can do!” is the rally cry of young girls everywhere. The desire to excel and the demand of gender respect at a young age is a not only a natural component of feminism but an opportunity to congeal the principles. I believe in feminist principles, however until last week neglected to have a detailed conversation with my kids on the subject. It is important to make clear to our young boys and girls what feminism is about in terms understandable to them. Expected gender norms and harmful messages intended to define our children must be challenged. Take a moment to observe young children during recess and class projects. Humor, talent and intelligence trump gender. Success and winning are important, whether you’re a boy or a girl is not. With that being said, how is feminism perceived by the children in your life? Ask the questions, you’ll be surprised by the answers.

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