My dearest Lucy,
Umbrellas up, we joined nearly 5 million people across the globe in the women's march this weekend. It was possibly the largest protest in Oregon, the United States, AND world-wide history.
I brought your cat hat to the parade but I didn't give it to you until we got there. We stopped to talk because I figured you'd want to understand what "pussy" was referring to in this march before you decided whether you wanted to wear it.
You had heard part of the quote from Donald Trump so we read the whole (completely awful) thing. Then I explained that by saying "grab them by the pussy," he was referring to grabbing a woman's vulva without her permission.
Shocked and very upset, you were starting to cry when you asked, "You mean someone like him can grab me there? And that's OK? He just can?!"
I said "No. It's not ok! See all these people around you...all of these hats and cat signs? Every one of them is out here to say that it is definitely NOT ok. Talking about women like that is NOT ok. Grabbing a woman like that is NOT okay. And no one should think it is ok. Ever. Again."
The fear on your face went away so fast and you just lit up. And all of the sudden, I was so grateful that you had learned about it HERE. You had been in THIS crowd, with THESE people to get your first glimpse into sexual violence. You are so young – I have not wanted you near the topic. But it is looming close in your future. Like me, you must soon face that being female means some people will want to intimidate, use, and control you. And like me, you must accept we have a president that said THIS and other horrible things. Among many reasons I am grateful you EXPERIENCED, in a beautiful way, that most people agree that it is NOT ok. We want women to have safety and equality. We want YOU to feel valued and safe.
Yes, we've got some big problems. But have hope. Take a look around! All kinds of people are willing to show up and work to make things better.
Love you,
Mama
(With thanks to the
Pussy Hat Project and all the worldwide march participants. You changed her world. And you changed mine!)
1 comment:
Love this post, and love your amazing Mama, Lucy.
She's my favorite kind of feminist, because she fought hard to be one as she was raised in such a patriarchal society.
She knew deep down in her giant heart it was the right thing to be (and it is!- equal rights is human rights!) and no matter how hard it was for her to be one, she stood up and was counted (p.s. your Dad is an amazing feminist too!).
She is an incredible woman and mother. You are a very lucky girl and I hope your Mum and me and Mums like her will change the world so you don't have to xx- Ber:-)
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