Women’s rights are under attack in the United State. This month marks the one year anniversary of Dobbs v Jackson. In the year since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court we have seen the conservative and religious right double down on their commitment to restricting the liberties of women and other marginalized groups.
So many of us are frightened, angry, and so tired. Yet, we know that it is important that we continue to fight of the rights of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC people, and any other vulnerable group. As Macarena Aaez of Human Rights Watch writes, “In practice, equality with men in rights and opportunities is a sign of a strong democracy, while reduction of women’s rights is a troubling sign of a weakened one.”
Second Wave Feminism
I was raised in the era of second wave feminism. When I was a little girl, in the late 1970’s, I remember having a little green and white, circular pin that that I wore. It said ERA YES. At the time, I was not really clear what that meant (My constitutional knowledge was minimal during my primary years). But, I did understand that it meant that women and girls were just as important, capable, and valuable as men and boys. To me that seemed like a no-brainer. It was just a fact that I agreed with.
I would never have dreamed that 40+ years later, rather than having a constitutional amendment, the rights for women would be rolled back.
Growing up I heard stories from my mother and grandmother about how they had to wear dresses, not pants, as girls. My mother told me how when she went to college it was understood that women would study to be a teacher, a nurse, or a secretary. Those were the jobs open to women. Even, the 1980’s this sounded like ancient history to me. It was similar to stories about traveling by horse drawn carriage or not having a telephone. I felt fortunate to be born in a more enlightened era in which I could vote, wear pants, and study any field I choose.
Today, many Americans are unaware that women were first given the right to credit without a co-signer 1974. That is not ancient history, it is within my own lifetime. It seems unfathomable. But, thank goodness those days are behind us and we are moving rapidly into a time of equal rights and opportunities for women.
Or so I thought…
Now we are back sliding. Roe has been overturned. Thomas’ opinion included mention of overturning laws on same sex marriage. Anti-trans laws are rapidly being proposed (and sometimes passed) by state legislatures. Teachers in Florida are not allowed to acknowledge being gay as an acceptable way of life.
What are they coming for next?
Will the conservative law makers, Christian extremists, and the fearful white upper-class be coming for my credit cards? Will employers be allowed to (overtly) discriminate based upon race and gender? Will our daughters be denied entry to college?
The Power of Money
The right tries to stir up so much fear that “they are coming for our guns” and that our right to bear arms is what protects our democracy. But, firepower is outdated. Today’s greatest source of weaponry is the almighty dollar.
The Citizens United decision of 2010 overturned century old campaign finance restrictions and put our democracy up for sale. Recent elections, through gerrymandering, have allowed a stacking of the supreme court. (Though to be accurate much of this has been in the works since the Reagan years). This becomes more and more clear as, within just the past week, we have seen Supreme Court rulings on gun legislation and reproductive rights that go against the views of the majority of Americans.
And, let’s be clear. The overturning of Roe v Wade is not just an act of misogyny, it is thoroughly rooted in racism. Black and brown women will be hit the hardest by this decision. That is not accidental. For details on the origins of evangelical opposition to abortion, read Politico’s article, The Religious Right and the Abortion Myth.
So, what can we do? Speak up. Contribute money. Volunteer. Vote!
Money for Self and Community Preservation
We can also support women’s rights by managing our own money to the best of our ability. We can make sure that we have credit cards and bank accounts in our own names. We can do our best to promote our own financial independence and stability. We can care for one another and take part in mutual aid. We can donate both our time and our money causes promoting the rights of marginalized people.
To be clear, white feminism will not save us (even if you have white privilege like I do). Having privilege via our proximity to white, male, wealth and power is not the same as having our own power. My brand of feminism is that which promotes equity for all. It is not about you or me getting ahead individually. Instead, my practice of feminisim is one in which all people lift one another up and strive for justice. It is a system of cooperation rather than competition. Feminism is not a movement against men, the purpose is not to demonize white, cis, het men. Instead, feminism supports equity and opposes some having unearned privilege.
It Was Never About the Children
We all know that the overturning of Roe is not about protecting the rights of fetuses. If the court and the legislators were concerned about the lives of children they would be supporting universal childcare, basic universal income, and gun control. Overturning Roe is about eroding the rights of women. Specifically, the rights of black and brown women.
The anti-abortion movement developed as backlash to the civil rights movement and has always been about protecting racism. And preserving racism goes hand and hand with maintaining sexism. When women are people of color are allowed to have power and money then it calls into question the traditional Eurocentric patriarchal foundation upon which our country was built.
The tagline on my website is Women + Money = Power. Historically money has been kept out of the control of women and people of color so that power could be hoarded by white males. My tagline, along with a cursory knowledge of algebra, makes it clear that when power is taken from women then their financial situation will also deteriorate. Conversely, when women have more money we increase our power in society.
But, you cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube. Women are educated, we are dedicated, we have and manage our own money. Women and POC are in all levels of government. Overturning Roe is a setback but it is not a final outcome. We must let the law makers and the courts know that they have gone too far.
I wish I had some awesome conclusion for this post. A happy ending, a neat little bow to tie this up. Instead, I just ask everyone to be loud and visible. I ask that you care for yourself and use your energy wisely (hint, that’s not fighting with trolls on FB). If you can afford to, financially support the causes and people in crisis. Be intentional with your money and your actions. Be political, because our bodies and our lives have become the subject of political debate. Money is political. We may be weary, but let’s not be defeated. Let’s get (and stay) fired up!