Kerry Eleveld post from yesterday, Democrats takeoff the gloves on Russia probe en masses — it’s war elicited a comment from Rosalie907 pointing out it’s being led by women. It’s should come as no surprise women have been leading the fight against Donald Trump from the start. From the first massive anti-Trump rallies to the Alabama Senatorial race, women have led the way. In most cases it can be argued women of color leading that charge. I’m not here to debate that today, I’m here to discuss how we discuss strength. Is strength masculine or feminine?
Throughout history the image of strength has been that of the man. Samson, Hercules etc. The warrior, the fighter, the hunter, on and on and on. But that image has been brought to us by men. Men have been the recorders of history. Recently many women have started calling it herstory, distinguishing history of women from the traditional method of recording events, past and present.
About a month ago a twitter meme started on Women in History. There were post here as well. Why it started isn’t important, the result is. This meme exposed the role women have had throughout the centuries the important role women have played. Whether in their traditional roles as mothers, daughters sisters etc. Or when those roles extended to what history had recorded as the domain of men, warriors, orators, teachers, leaders, whatever role was required of them.
When we discuss women, we traditionally refer to them in soft terms. Even the use of the word feminine is meant to invoke an image of soft or weak. Based upon what we have witnessed in this country recently women have shown strength where the men have demonstrated weakness. When faced with the bully and bigot in the White House many men have rolled over on their backs exposing their bellies in a sign of submission. Women (in general) on the other hand have stood firm and resolute and declared; STOP! NO MORE! ENOUGH!
Maybe it’s time we change the way we describe strength and courage. Maybe it’s not masculine or feminine, maybe it’s human or humane. Neutral to gender, but locked into our humanity. Exposing itself when needed to defend our families, friends and our desire love all the creatures on earth. Protecting them and our planet from the users, abusers, the tyrants, corporate exploiters and profiteers.