Elephant keepers and trainers in India – mahouts – commonly use chains to restrain their elephants. A chain strong enough to hold a grown elephant, however, would be far too heavy for a human to lift. So, the mahout ties the baby elephant with the heaviest chain that the mahout can handle. Though the size of the chain is too big for the baby elephant, it attempts to break the thick chain for years, finally getting the notion that the chain can never be broken. Later when it becomes an adult and actually has the strength to easily break its chain, the elephant never attempts to do so. Its willpower has been destroyed. The elephant lives its life not knowing about its strength.
Occasionally, an elephant becomes aggressive and tries to run away. In that struggle it breaks the chain and sets itself free. Once the elephant is caught and again chained, however, it does not remember that it can free itself. (Source: http://www.sakthifoundation.org/breakchain.htm)
Have you tested your chains recently?
I was speaking with an acquaintance the other day, talking about FemCentral and my suffrage research. While talking, I referred to women as “minorities.” I immediately stopped. I know that women are not minorities. Last I checked, there are roughly an even number of males and females in the world. My “slip” indicated deeper beliefs about the status of women.
I decided to find out the actual ratio of men and women in the United States. I was shocked to see that, according to the 2010 US Census, women are in the MAJORITY. Let that sink in – there are more women in the United States than there are men.
I checked some other countries. Women are in the majority in Canada, the UK, Australia and Russia. There are more women than men in Germany, Australia and China. Spain, Belgium and Denmark. Argentina, Chile and the Netherlands. (Look up other countries at the United Nations Statistics and indicators on women and men.)
Coretta Scott King once said, “If American women would increase their voting turnout by ten percent, I think we would see an end to all of the budget cuts in programs benefiting women and children.” Do you realize what power we, as the majority, have to end programs that perpetuate stereotypes of women? To enact new legislation? To elect officials that have our best interests in mind?
What if someone ran for office with the intent of eradicating all institutionalized prejudice against women’s freedom? Think no one would vote for this person? If all the women voted for him or her, she COULD NOT LOSE!
What if all women boycotted companies with sexist advertising? Publicly protested workplaces that discriminate? Demanded equal treatment?
Women! These chains that we are wearing CANNOT HOLD US! I know it’s scary to try to break free. We have centuries of indoctrination telling us it’s futile. Our “keepers” certainly want to keep up the charade. But, all we have to do is provide a little resistance.
Some of you may be in an abusive relationship. You may even live in a country where you are not allowed to vote or even drive a car. Remember, our power in is our UNITY. United we stand; we liberate; we change.
If you are alone, abused, too tired to resist – reach out to other women. There are people and organizations waiting to aid you. If you don’t know where to go, ask others to assist you in finding this help.
Women! Our muscles grow stronger with use. Vote. Learn about legislation that would perpetuate the myth of our slavery. Advocate for women’s rights. Educate other women. Encourage women to vote, protest, donate, volunteer, run for office. Ask other women for help when your life gets overwhelming. Offer a helping hand to others as well.
WE are not victims. WE are strong. WE have the power.
UNITED we stand but divided we stay in chains.
It’s time to leave these chains behind.
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This post was written in observation of Susan B. Anthony Day, a commemorative holiday to celebrate the birth of Susan B. Anthony and women’s suffrage in the United States. It has been historically celebrated since 1920, after 31 of 48 states had ratified the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, giving women the right to vote. In the state of Wisconsin, Susan B. Anthony Day is an established state holiday, which was enacted into law April 15, 1976. This holiday is also commemorated in Florida as a legal state holiday. In West Virginia, this day is celebrated on Election Day on even years. One of the reasons this holiday is not celebrated at a national level, like Martin Luther King Jr. Day is due to strong opposition.
Women! We can change this!
3 Comments
Great post Jennifer. Not only do we have to test our chains (and they are there on some level) regularly but clip the ones that try to bind our daughters and sons into narrow thinking.
What a stirring, moving, galvanizing article!!! I love it!!
Absolutely inspiring, heart pumping, motivational writing. I stand with you, not against you in your fight. I have a particular abhorrence for violence against women (and children) and have devoted a significant amount of time, energy and resources to catching the perpetrators, bringing them to justice and ensuring their maximum punishment. A strong and confident woman is powerful and a group of these women can change the world. Much to be learned today from Susan B. Anthony and the suffragettes, that unity and strength in numbers can bring equality and dynamic change. No more hiding behind stick figure families on SUV’s and taxiing kids from place to place. Find the time to educate yourself and act to improve the lives of those downtrodden by years of abuse, neglect and ignorance. Good stuff Jennifer! Good stuff!