Monday, June 9, 2008

Women Today

I had the privilege last night of attending a special one-time performance of a play about the beginnings of Women's Rights. It was put on as a Fund-raiser for a Feminist Organization.

The performance was wonderful. It gave a progression of events from the 1800's with Susan B. Anthony carrying the torch, through to the early 1970's. Very educational and informative.

There was one very interesting piece of knowledge that came across that's timely to the recent events here politically. In the 1800's, Male Negroes, as they were called, got the right to vote before women of any race. A woman was still "on the bottom" so to speak. The play did not discuss anything current, but in discussions following, we realized we saw that in motion -- Barack Obama won the primary over Hillary Clinton. A black male has the potential to be president before a woman.

This makes me wonder about the sexism that probably does still exist here, in our country. We know about third world countries, but what about here? We find ourselves wondering about racism and I wonder about ageism, BUT, is there still a lot of anti-women sentiment? I consider myself lucky. I don't remember ever feeling discrimination by virtue of being a woman. I've had wonderful jobs and opportunities -- I've been in corporate management, I've been hired over men for speaking and consulting jobs. I feel respected. But, I know that's certainly not true for many other women. We also know that having a good education helps, but is it naive to think that it's enough? I only raise questions here.

It's unbelievable to me that men would discriminate against women -- I mean we have the children. Men could not exist without us. Everyone knows this. What would happen if women stopped procreating? Would there be less or more respect? Just a wild card thought.

Anyhow, I reach no conclusions -- just raise the issue.
Being one who likes to fight a good fight or take on a good cause, this wasn't one I expected to show up. It did, last night. What I do know is how many women disempower themselves, don't stand up for themselves and don't know the capacity of opportunity they can have. Now that's a cause I am up for.

Women boomers -- unite -- there's a big, beautiful world out there and many of you have yet to discover your purpose for existence. I'm here to help.

Point: Remember, again ... don't die with your dreams inside. Begin to differentiate how you want to live the rest of your life.

Stay tuned for my teleclasses and workshops on transition, empowerment and adventure.
Stay cool in this grueling heat.
Ann

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