Women: It’s Time for a United Front

The following is a variation on a typical #VentSesh. It’s a little political in nature but the current economic (and Facebook) climate is too much to ignore, even here on a life & style site. Please remember this is all for thoughtful, respectful and tolerant discussion. I am grateful for you taking the time to read something that has been on my mind following the elections, the marches, some good ol’ procrastination on social media, and daily life. 

 

We talk a big game.

We get out there by the millions. We protest our right for equality, for human decency, and for the future of ourselves and for our children.

Yet I can’t help but think… are we really supporting each other each day in the way that we’re asking for our government to treat us?

This is not about who you voted for, or who I supported. I shared it once on Instagram (and ironically, quickly lost more than 300 followers as a result).

This is beyond political. This is about being human, good and tolerant of one another.

Far too many women try to raise themselves up by bringing others down.

We preach entire acceptance in theory, yet can more easily omit it in daily practice.

We hear women gossip, share half-truths, point out flaws in others, and don’t help each other like they should, in the work place, in our daily lives, and in our communities.

We know better. We are better.

The marches were phenomenal, incredible, inspiring, and down-right necessary. I am not diminishing that even a little (please don’t think I am).

Yet, thinking about it further, it feels a little ironic that millions of us are marching for equality and bitching about each other in the same breath.

Imagine if we cut that crap out.

We teach our children the exact opposite of our sometimes poor behaviors — and likely, we were taught the same as we teach to our children.

Yet somehow, in addition to the “old boys clubs” — you know, the conservative groups of white men in suits — we’re often doing it to ourselves.  It’s sad and disappointing.

Imagine if we more wholeheartedly supported other women; we get each other so much more than men get us. We need to take care of each other. Love on each other.

I refer all the time at work to presenting a “united front.” Regardless of differences in opinion, we immediately become a UNITED FRONT out in the world.

Imagine if we took this beyond the office.

Let’s do the same, ladies. Build each other up, compliment each other, provide professional opportunities, and donate your time and resources to meaningful causes.

Let’s say incredible things about one another, and omit the rest. Trust me, I’ve been guilty of chatter… I’m not saying I’m perfect but I know I also can do better. As I stand with each of you, I want to do better.

Just as America looks weak to other countries when we share our strife, we as women look the same in both micro and macro situations.

I read this necessary post by Grace about what it means to be a feminist and completely agree.

The word has gotten a bad rap in more recent years.

We all want and deserve equality.

But we are only going to get there if we treat each other as equals first, and then go forward as a united front.

Let’s do this.

 

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