Jay took this picture at the Women's March that happened in Greenville on Saturday. I was SO BUMMED to not be there, but I was in Knoxville working. Luckily I had a ton of like-minded folks to rant with all day, and a little bit of free time to watch videos of the inspiring peaceful rallies and walks happening around the world. The world! So wonderful.
I was probably the most proud that my husband took our daughter to the rally in the driving rain. He was thrilled to see so many other folks there, and I'm embarrassed to say I was kind of surprised he went. He's a guy. He was alone with the baby. It was pouring rain. And that's kind of the sticking point with activism, isn't it? If things aren't terrible for us it's so easy to make a thousand excuses. But he didn't, and we shouldn't. Women (and all groups and all humans) have more than earned the right to be heard, respected, and elevated, and when men stand up for us we stand even more of a chance of making positive progress.
I'm so hopeful and inspired after this weekend, and, while I know that there are many who disagree with me or believe that protesters are "whiny babies" or "sore losers," I couldn't disagree more. If you believe that you have every right in the world and are pleased with your life BY ALL MEANS know that I am pleased for you. The fact is, though, that some of us don't feel that way. Some of us feel that our rights are being infringed upon for no apparent reason other than control. Some of us feel like we are worth more than 87 cents to the dollar.
And so we march, and we speak up, and we are calm and kind, and we do our best. And to the men who are helping us be heard a little bit louder, thank you.
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