I really loved this essay, Margot. Especially the part about women buying into and creating our own oppression and this section:
"I believe that we will not find balance between male and female energy until we shift our mythology. We will not find this balance until we stop creating and accepting a reality that tells the story that men cannot control themselves and women are to blame. We will not find balance until we stop telling women how to dress, how to act, what to say, what they can and cannot do with their bodies, how to move through the world as if they are constantly forcing men to think bad thoughts and do bad things. We will not find balance until we create true equality for the sexes beyond the binary."
I studied in the first Women's Studies classes offered at SIU-E (1971/72) and so much of what you are talking about here was being discussed then. That was where I first learned of the Gnostic gospels which changed my entire view of the Bible and it's stories of Christianity.
I also collected signatures to enable Illinois to pass the ERA amendment and what I heard most often from women who did NOT sign was " But I like having doors opened for me!" Sadly, the amendment did not pass in Illinois.
As I've shared before, I am beyond saddened that we are still fighting the same battles but I've also come to realize that 50 years is not that long in a fight that has been continuing for literally thousands of years. Maybe in my next life I'll be able to effect more change.
There is also a gospel of Mary Magdalene, who was a disciple. The ways in which the Bible has been edited and altered speak volumes about the patriarchy. I spent many years digging into the ‘divine feminine’ when I was younger, trying to understand why things were the way they were. I considered a degree in comparative mythology, because I find it all so fascinating.
It is unfathomable to me that we are still waiting for the ERA to be codified. Thank you for your efforts to make it happen!!
I feel we are close to that pivotal moment, and I still hold hope we might reach it in my lifetime, but change takes time and you’re right that 50 years is a blip on the cosmic radar.
Much could be said and boy, I'd like to see a lively discussion amongst the readers.
Because of my own studies, I know what you've written is more than your perceived reality - it's objective enough that it should shake'n'wake folks.
But what I'd like to address from the essay is how women have worked against each other, instead of for one another. It's been nasty sometimes and has always been a shock to me.
As a hetero (who was taught early about sex as MY choice), I've always loved and appreciated other women. Well... haven't had much appreciation for the patriarchal clones you mentioned, as they can be most difficult, but still no hate.
(Heck, my surrealistic Art Brut is an exploration in honoring us and the Interdisciplinary Dance for Women Workshop which I'd teach was similar.)
Lately, I've sensed a slight shift. Or maybe it's because the women on my particular Substack feed seem to genuinely support one another. I think it's because of women like you who aren't afraid to challenge.
But c'mon Lady Party readers, please, what say you?
I think the linear/ladder like nature of the patriarchy feeds into this sense of stratification and competition. It’s really fascinating stuff to contemplate.
I really loved this essay, Margot. Especially the part about women buying into and creating our own oppression and this section:
"I believe that we will not find balance between male and female energy until we shift our mythology. We will not find this balance until we stop creating and accepting a reality that tells the story that men cannot control themselves and women are to blame. We will not find balance until we stop telling women how to dress, how to act, what to say, what they can and cannot do with their bodies, how to move through the world as if they are constantly forcing men to think bad thoughts and do bad things. We will not find balance until we create true equality for the sexes beyond the binary."
Thank you, Jena! This is one I find keeps resonating, especially now as we head into round two of the Worst Circus Ever.
I studied in the first Women's Studies classes offered at SIU-E (1971/72) and so much of what you are talking about here was being discussed then. That was where I first learned of the Gnostic gospels which changed my entire view of the Bible and it's stories of Christianity.
I also collected signatures to enable Illinois to pass the ERA amendment and what I heard most often from women who did NOT sign was " But I like having doors opened for me!" Sadly, the amendment did not pass in Illinois.
As I've shared before, I am beyond saddened that we are still fighting the same battles but I've also come to realize that 50 years is not that long in a fight that has been continuing for literally thousands of years. Maybe in my next life I'll be able to effect more change.
There is also a gospel of Mary Magdalene, who was a disciple. The ways in which the Bible has been edited and altered speak volumes about the patriarchy. I spent many years digging into the ‘divine feminine’ when I was younger, trying to understand why things were the way they were. I considered a degree in comparative mythology, because I find it all so fascinating.
It is unfathomable to me that we are still waiting for the ERA to be codified. Thank you for your efforts to make it happen!!
I feel we are close to that pivotal moment, and I still hold hope we might reach it in my lifetime, but change takes time and you’re right that 50 years is a blip on the cosmic radar.
Much could be said and boy, I'd like to see a lively discussion amongst the readers.
Because of my own studies, I know what you've written is more than your perceived reality - it's objective enough that it should shake'n'wake folks.
But what I'd like to address from the essay is how women have worked against each other, instead of for one another. It's been nasty sometimes and has always been a shock to me.
As a hetero (who was taught early about sex as MY choice), I've always loved and appreciated other women. Well... haven't had much appreciation for the patriarchal clones you mentioned, as they can be most difficult, but still no hate.
(Heck, my surrealistic Art Brut is an exploration in honoring us and the Interdisciplinary Dance for Women Workshop which I'd teach was similar.)
Lately, I've sensed a slight shift. Or maybe it's because the women on my particular Substack feed seem to genuinely support one another. I think it's because of women like you who aren't afraid to challenge.
But c'mon Lady Party readers, please, what say you?
I think the linear/ladder like nature of the patriarchy feeds into this sense of stratification and competition. It’s really fascinating stuff to contemplate.