I walked that, path as well - with the professional piece included. The biggest challenge was being a mental health professional working for a police department in the 1990's. Officers didn't want me there and resented my doing "their" job. It was a struggle, but in the end I think they respected me and even asked for help at times.
Some things are different although not enough. I had such hope going into the 2016 election. After it was over, I was practically catatonic for a day because I knew that I'd been very, very wrong. I'd let my hope win out over my cynicism which is odd for me. After all, I was the professor who, years prior, told my students that abortion was just the shot across the bow, that they'd be coming for birth control next. They scoffed (respectfully), not believing we could ever go back. I wish they'd been right and I was wrong.
That's been a big part of the problem though, hasn't it? People, most especially women, never believed things could get rolled back. I donated to Planned Parenthood, marched in Pro Choice Rallies, wrote editorials, taught the history, and did whatever I could to make people understand how tenuous our reproductive freedom truly was. They didn't believe you or me. With the leak of the Dobbes decision, so many women started telling their stories and coming out of the woodwork. Of course, I supported them but wondered where they had been. Maybe, just maybe, if women hadn't been complacent, things could be different because men wouldn't have dared cross that line. But we were complacent, even passive. I experienced the same rage at women as I did after the 2016 election. Every time I was out in public, I'd see white women and think, "Did you betray me, sister?" Since I live in red Texas, the answer was probably yes.
I realize that I'm angry at women when I should direct my rage at men. They're the ones in power; they're the ones determined to control us. And I know that oppressed groups have a hard time thinking rationally and acting in logical ways. I get it. But it's still so damn infuriating.
I can't imagine how it's been for you and your peer group, Ramona, since you all have been fighting this for decades longer than I have. Thank you for engaging in the battles and for never giving up. You and your friends are the inspiration I need when I want to abandon the fight.
I'm young and male, but I loved my grandmother so much! You read exactly like she sounded! I can't thank you enough for this post, and believe me, people like you and my Gran have a huge roll to play where people like me are concerned!
I walked that, path as well - with the professional piece included. The biggest challenge was being a mental health professional working for a police department in the 1990's. Officers didn't want me there and resented my doing "their" job. It was a struggle, but in the end I think they respected me and even asked for help at times.
Thanks for sharing, Janice. I wonder what would happen if you tried that same thing today?
Some things are different although not enough. I had such hope going into the 2016 election. After it was over, I was practically catatonic for a day because I knew that I'd been very, very wrong. I'd let my hope win out over my cynicism which is odd for me. After all, I was the professor who, years prior, told my students that abortion was just the shot across the bow, that they'd be coming for birth control next. They scoffed (respectfully), not believing we could ever go back. I wish they'd been right and I was wrong.
That's been a big part of the problem though, hasn't it? People, most especially women, never believed things could get rolled back. I donated to Planned Parenthood, marched in Pro Choice Rallies, wrote editorials, taught the history, and did whatever I could to make people understand how tenuous our reproductive freedom truly was. They didn't believe you or me. With the leak of the Dobbes decision, so many women started telling their stories and coming out of the woodwork. Of course, I supported them but wondered where they had been. Maybe, just maybe, if women hadn't been complacent, things could be different because men wouldn't have dared cross that line. But we were complacent, even passive. I experienced the same rage at women as I did after the 2016 election. Every time I was out in public, I'd see white women and think, "Did you betray me, sister?" Since I live in red Texas, the answer was probably yes.
I realize that I'm angry at women when I should direct my rage at men. They're the ones in power; they're the ones determined to control us. And I know that oppressed groups have a hard time thinking rationally and acting in logical ways. I get it. But it's still so damn infuriating.
I can't imagine how it's been for you and your peer group, Ramona, since you all have been fighting this for decades longer than I have. Thank you for engaging in the battles and for never giving up. You and your friends are the inspiration I need when I want to abandon the fight.
I'm young and male, but I loved my grandmother so much! You read exactly like she sounded! I can't thank you enough for this post, and believe me, people like you and my Gran have a huge roll to play where people like me are concerned!
Aw, Alex, your grandmother was lucky to have you. Thanks so much for your thoughts here. It means a lot to me, too!
Marie Curie was Polish; her birth name was Marie Salomea Skłodowska. She named the element Polonium after her homeland.