Recent events have made it strikingly obvious that something needs to be done to change how women and girls are treated in America (not to mention so many other places around the globe). This includes violence against women, women’s reproductive health care being used as a bargaining chip during budget negotiations, and the ongoing parade of sexist commentary in movies, on television, in political campaigns, etc.
We have encouraged visitors to this site to find their voices when confronted with sexist comments, but we acknowledge that might be a lot easier said than done. So this week, we offer up a few suggestions for taking action that don’t require you to directly confront anyone for making a sexist remark:
For one year, put a nickel in a jar every time you hear someone makes a sexist comment. At the end of each year, tally up the money and write a check for the amount to the National Organization for Women (or your favorite women’s group) and send it off with note asking them to use the money to help end sexist remarks.
Write to your elected leaders, who have a legal and moral obligation to represent both genders equally and fairly, and let them know that you want them to put an end to sexist remarks during campaigns, media appearances, and when they are governing.
Talk to your kids (in a manner appropriate to their age) about the harmful impact of sexist remarks on girls (their sisters, themselves, their friends). We may not completely stop sexism in our lifetime, but we certainly can put our hope and energy into the next generation being able to do so.
These are three simple things that you can do without risking a friendship, a job, or family relationships. Choose one or all three and get started today. Take action!!
Cynthia
It’s 20 minutes past midnight in Singapore and I’ve just spent the past 4 hours reading every single post on your awesome site! Thank you so much for setting up such an amazing and timely blog and I really hope you will continue to encourage and inspire women and men everywhere to stand in protest against sexist remarks in the public square. It feels really good to know there are people like you (and Steve) out there who care about these issues and are actively taking a stand against the pervasive sexism that, sadly, still exists in our modern day and age. This blog is so awesome – I can’t believe there are so few comments!