To the women that voted for Trump, and specifically the 53% (wtf? source: popsugar.com) of white women that voted for him:
I want to say how deeply sorry we are. We, the assembled masses of feminist women. The women who you have been fed preconceived notions about. The women who have been fighting for the rights of ALL women, not just the liberal elites that you believe we are. The women who are scared shitless over the possibility that all women will now have to live in fear because a man (child) was elected who would rather dismantle the society that we have collectively built up together than ever admit ignorance or defeat.
We, feminist women, are deeply sorry that you felt you had to vote for this man. That for reasons related to your own misconceptions of our movement or the males in your life holding court over your minds, you decided to vote against every single one of your individual interests to put him in power. We are sorry that we haven’t been able to reach you. That you are somehow still living in a bubble that we haven’t been able to help you burst.
I would like to say that I know where you are coming from, but I do not believe that I truly do. I wanted to say that I see your issues. That I understand you on a personal level. I mean, obviously, we have the same parts, as it were, but that is where the similarities end. I am going to venture to say that familiarity and fear of the unknown played into your decision. People like to surround themselves with what they know. They like to feel confident in their surroundings. It takes courage to change and not everyone has it.
But you do. Women are strong. You have the capacity to do anything you set your mind to. You have the capacity to learn and grow and share your new found knowledge with those around you. So, for the sake of those of us who are scared shitless that this next four years is going to turn back the clock of progress, here are a few things you need to know:
- Feminism is, first and foremost, about equality for ALL. It is a movement to ensure that every woman has the right to be free in a free country, and to help women in tyrannical regimes gain freedom as well.
- Feminism is not about bra burning, but about the ability to wear whatever one chooses without judgement or fear. It is a movement that allows women and girls to express themselves without fear of being attacked, shamed, or tortured.
- Feminism is not about hating children, but the ability to plan the timing and number of children a woman bears. It is a movement that allows for the possibility that a woman may want to have many children or none. A movement that fights to maintain the right for women to make these choices for themselves in an autonomous manner.
- Feminism is not about changing the way you live your life, but allowing you to choose that way of life. It is a movement that provides the support for each woman to achieve her goals and to reach her full potential.
- Feminism is not about hating men or wanting to make them irrelevant. It is a movement that seeks to make women equal to men, therefore making everyone equal in the process.
- Feminism is for ALL women, not just the liberal elites in the cities or the academics in the university system. The movement has some serious work to do in the intersectional arena, but it is getting there. Feminists need to dig deep and be sure that all groups of women are being included in the struggle. We need to be inclusive and open to all women. This includes trans women, who have been historically boxed out of the movement. We acknowledge that we have a long way to go to perfection, but we see our inconsistencies and we are working toward full equity for all.
- Feminism is necessary and important.
- Feminism is our only shield against the hard times that we are about to collectively face as a nation.
This election was not just about winning the presidency. It was not just about putting 100 more cracks in that highest of all glass ceilings. It was about continuing our way of life in United States. Continuing to be one of the greatest countries in the world. Continuing to overcome our past atrocities to be better, together. My hope is that we can overcome this election and push forward. That we can continue to fight for what is right and make it to the better side of history. That we can slay our demons and not return to a time when marginalized people were treated like less than human. Every individual in our great nation deserves a chance to feel part of the American dream. Every individual has the right to feel like a whole human. No matter the color of the skin, their religion, their sex organs, who they love, or how they function in the world, all humans should be equal.
So – white women who voted for Trump. Seriously, what the fuck? We are sorry that you felt the need to cry out in this way. We are sorry that we all have to live through the next 4 years together, through whatever craziness comes of this presidency. We are hopeful that the damage will not be so severe that it cannot be reversed. Next time you are upset, though, can you come to us first before you do something so rash? Can you let us feminists know that you are hurting and in need of assistance. We are here for you. And who knows, maybe you can become one of us. It is in your best interest, after all. We are here, with open arms, waiting for you to join us. Together, women can seriously change the world. We are the majority and if we stick together we can make this nation and planet better than it was yesterday, last week, or 100 years ago. We can make it a more perfect nation. The dudes always stick together, so why shouldn’t we?
Peace and good luck out there –
Chantale (aka hippiegrrl)