Patriarchal thinking has once again reared its ancient head in Washington, D.C. Have you noticed? All three branches of government are now firmly in the hands of white supremacist, patriarchal capitalists.
When scholar and feminist thought leader bell hooks told her students in the 1980s that the United States operates under a system of white supremacist, patriarchal capitalism, they often chuckled. No one is laughing now.
A striking observation about our current leaders is that both the president’s and vice president’s wives grew up in cultures where women were expected to be more submissive to men. Their mothers did not experience the cultural shifts of the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s that expanded opportunities for women in the United States. Today, finding submissive women in the U.S. is much harder—and that, at least, is progress.
In mid-January, I took a retreat to Mexico and finally sat down to finish reading The Creation of Patriarchy
by the eminent historian Gerda Lerner.
What I discovered was profound: the essential tool for creating feminist consciousness.
Lerner explains that patriarchy, as a social system, was constructed over 5,000 years ago and has evolved to appear “natural.” But because it was created, it can also be dismantled. And the key to that dismantling and creating something new? Women’s history. As Lerner argues, feminist consciousness has only existed for the past 200 years—and it is history that fuels its growth.
She summarizes her thoughts powerfully:
“A feminist world-view will enable women and men to free their minds from patriarchal thought and practice and at last to build a world free of dominance and hierarchy, a world that is truly human.”
Lerner’s book is jet fuel for my passion to share American women’s history.
As Lerner reminds us:
“Women’s self-perceptions were diminished by a centuries-old tradition that put them outside of history… Women’s ambitions were lowered by the absence of heroines.”
Let’s change that. Let’s celebrate our heroines with Voices of American HERSTORY.
Now, you can meet Susan B. Anthony yourself! She will be a time-traveling guest on my talk show, where I’ll have the honor of interviewing this legendary Women’s Rights Activist. You’ll also have the chance to ask her questions. If you’re in the St. Louis Metro Area, join me on February 15 for a Galentine’s Day celebration of Susan B. Anthony’s birthday.
Let’s:
Celebrate the woman who pioneered women’s rights.
Learn how to stay positive and inspired in the coming year.
Support Voices of American HERstory (a 501c3 organization) so we can take our performances on the road—throughout Missouri and beyond. .
Join us for an unforgettable event as we honor the past and look forward to building a more equitable future!
Saturday, February 15 at 2 p.m.
Center for Spiritual Living
12875 Fee Fee Road
Invite a friend and sign up on Eventbrite:
Tickets Here.
I almost forgot to mention –On February 15, Susan will celebrate her 205th birthday!
Can’t make the event? Remember Susan B. Anthony said: “Organize, Agitate, Educate” Voices of American HERSTORY is all about educating! Please make your tax deductible donation now!
https://donorbox.org/herstory-comes-to-life-in-libraries
In Gratitude as we Move Onward,
Rebecca Now