Wrapping Up
I'm gathering my thoughts about the last 16 days - the first time I've marked this initiative to combat gender-based violence. During this time we've seen our provincial government refuse to call GBV an epidemic, we've marked troubling anniversaries (like the Montreal massacre), we've heard troubling stories, and noted appalling statistics. But what is your takeaway from the past few weeks? Is there anything you've learned? Anything you've been able to share with others?
I'm trying to find the balance of staring at these hard truths right in the eye while not becoming overwhelmed at how much work is still to be done. I am still reeling from Kamala Harris' loss in the recent US election. A friend shared that his parents, Americans who did not vote for her, stated as their reason that they "just couldn't see" Harris in the White House. They just couldn't picture it. Why? Because she is a person of colour? A woman? Likely both. Have you noticed that every male presidential candidate is always referred to by their last time, but women candidates are simply, "Hilary" and "Kamala"? What does that say?
It's honestly hard for me to grasp that in all of human history we still, as a species, do not treat one another as equals. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that the women's right to vote only came to be in the last century, and that there are still places in the world where their vote is either not recognized or is suppressed. I hate that I have to teach my daughter about minding her surroundings when she's simply walking to the local park. And I'm flabbergasted that people don't see how propping up misogynistic leaders is giving power and influence to more hate-filled voices (or that they're simply willing to look the other way).
If you don't believe me, look up what's happening in our world with younger generations. A movement about young women fed up with the blatant sexism they face from men have been cutting their hair, refusing to wear makeup, and vowing to not have sex for at least the four years Trump is in office. In response, far-right men are claiming, "Your body, my choice." As in, women's bodies belong to men, and they will have sex with these women, whether the women want it or not. https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/11/business/your-body-my-choice-movement-election/index.html
This is beyond disturbing, but an important reminder that hate is always lurking, looking for a voice to call out its bannermen. How will we respond?
Please do include comments and thoughts to today's post about the last 16 Days. Was this daily blogging helpful to you? Why or why not?