by Claire Biggerstaff
Watching the State of the Union last Monday night, I was saddened that only Democratic lawmakers wore black and a pin with the name “Recy” in support of the Me Too movement (you can hear Recy’s story in Oprah’s speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN5HV79_8B8). Republicans not participating implies Women’s Rights is a matter of partisanship, when it is actually a matter of empathy and action to protect American citizens.
To be fair, I do not know if the Republican lawmakers got the memo from democrats, but I am doubtful they would have participated even if they had. Either way, they could have easily organized their own show of support without collaborating with the Democratic Party. Worst of all, President Trump failed to comment on the silent women’s rights statement. Acknowledgement from President Trump would have been surprising, but it would have been just what the country needed to hear to separate this movement from partisanship. The problem is our culture politicizes everything, so if republican lawmakers supported the movement, they might be accused of crossing party lines, but the me too movement should not be political. Wanting women to feel safe and like they have a voice against sexual assault is not political, it is something that should be expected of every compassionate person.
The root of this problem is likely the tape of President Trump that surfaced during the campaign, showing our President speaking lightly of the very crimes the Me Too movement is working to end; however, this should not mean members of the Republican Party or supporters of President Trump cannot support his policies, and simultaneously condemn his offensive language. Whether it matters to you that the person representing our country is so blatantly disrespectful to women, or you believe that the morals of the President are separate from how he will run the country, you cannot deny his words were violent and unjust. Human rights should not be politicized. This realization is the first step in building a bridge over the chasm of polarization that expanded in the last election cycle.
With that, I encourage you to learn more about the Me Too movement, and women’s rights in general. Knowledge is power, and the more people of all political leanings learn, the more powerful we become in creating a safer future for women.