When I began this blog, I promised myself that I wouldn’t bring policitics into our discussion. It’s so divisive, I know I don’t have all the answers, and I didn’t want to alienate readers. I also wanted to stand apart, to truly bring you into my world on Sundays. Both things remain true. In November, I asked you to vote and let you know that I don’t judge how you vote, just as long as you vote. That’s still true. However, I would be remiss not to let you in on my experience yesterday. I was able to attend a Women’s March and it moved me: deeply and intimately. I’m a fan of both sides of the aisle and believe that rational discussion is the only way to get anywhere; however, as it moved me I had to share my experiences with you. This isn’t to say I judge how you voted, or I want you to believe as I do. However, as a woman who’s been groped, judged, and spent more than one night convinced she would be raped this is why I marched:
In America we currently have a President who’s been accused of sexual assault, who’s admitted to sexual assault.
A VP who has said more than once that he thinks that rape is something women make up to get off work.
Neither man seems to understand abortion.
Because abortion is always a hard choice, and even when it is the right choice, the government shouldn’t be a part of that choice.
Because, as a woman, I can’t be denied birth control, denied choice and be the one in charge of making sure unwanted pregnancy doesn’t happen.
A woman is sexually assaulted every 2 mins in America
People ask about what she was wearing
Some states charge rape victims for their rape kits
Texas has the maternal mortality rate of a third world country
Smiles and skirt lengths are not consent
We don’t teach consent
No woman has ever gotten herself pregnant
Yet, punishments for pregnancy or abortion only apply to the woman
Black Lives Matter
Blue Lives Matter
But, as a white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, I’m more likely to be treated differently by the police and that’s not ok
Love is Love is Love
My IQ is not reliant on my bra size
Every woman I know has a story about doing something sexual that they didn’t want to do
Birth contra is not a female issue
It’s 2017 and Flint, Michigan still doesn’t have clean water
Slut Shaming is a thing
Period shaming is thing
Being called prude and a slut are two sides of the same coin, and both are ways of shaming women for making choices about their sexuality
Our society is scared of female sexuality
Breast feeding in public is shamed, but breasts shown for male enjoyment is celebrated
Mocking a disabled person shows your weakness, not theirs
Trans-gendered peeople are more likely to be raped or assaulted.
I’ve never been threatened by a trans person in the rest room, but I have been followed, stalked, and grabbed by men outside the women’s rest room
Someone gaining equal rights is not the same is you losing your rights
If ACA is reppealed, I will lose my health insurance
I’ve had to explain why I March
Feminist isn’t a dirty word
It only means men and women are equal
No person is illegal
There is no line, there are only people
Tampons have a tax
Muslims are not terrorists
Terrorists have shown that the thing they are most afraid of is a girl with a book
Yet
girls are taught what they say on a date is more important than what they might say in a boardroom
That they are responsible for what men think about sex
That tank tops are distracting to a boy’s education and therefore should be changed
That they come second.
Good girls:
Don’t get angry
Speak up
Speak out
React
Put out
Sleep with too many men
Say no
Lead him on
Disappoint him
Disappoint you,
Shouldn’t have opinions.
You can’t be a lady and a “good girl”.
Women are shamed for their choices, no matter if :
They have kids
they don’ have kids,
they use birth control,
They choose not to,
What they wear,
What they don’t wear.
Their size.
Their interests.
For being sensitive
Are crazy when they speak up
Women are routinely held accountable for men’s behavior
Being gay isn’t a choice, but being an asshole isn’t
Women still have to ask permission to use their bodies
The bravest, strongest people I know are women, and I believe in standing for them.
As a women on the Internet, and one involved in entertainment and outspoken, I get told everything from “shut-up” to I deserve to “be raped and killed” weekly. I’m told I shouldn’t be so sensitive.
I will debate tax code, gun control, and any other policy you like. However, I can no longer apologize for standing up for human rights as I see fit. I hope you stand with me, and if you see things differently, I hope we can chat and continue on this journey together.
Wishing us equality and amazing shoes! XO RA
