Throughout my high school and college years I have repeatedly come across the idea that a writing or piece of art is inherently feminist, queer, or racially representative just because it was created by an individual who identifies that way. With this concept I have discovered beautiful writing, music, and other forms of art that I could connect with as a queer woman, whether or not the topic of being queer or a woman were being focused on.
Recently a “Women in Leadership” article in my all girls private high school included a spotlight on Amy Coney Barrett. This immediately startled me because of my knowledge about Barrett’s social views. Considering the high stakes right now when it comes to women’s rights, my high school’s decision to include a woman such as Amy Coney Barrett is offensive and hypocritical.
As many have sadly heard, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed by the senate to be the 115th associate justice on the United States Supreme Court. Barrett is only the 5th woman to serve and she is also the mother of young children. Sure, this might seem like an accomplishment for women without having the background knowledge of what she truly stands for- views that actually eliminate women’s autonomy.
Abortion is a human right and no one should have the authority to take that right from anyone. By saying abortion is “her choice” truly means that everyone should have abortion as an option. It is then the responsibility of the individual to decide whether abortion is right for them or not. Having the right to abortion should not be a radical concept considering it is inclusive to religious beliefs. Not only would women’s rights be at risk with Barrett in the Supreme Court, but so could LGBTQ+ rights. Once same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015, it seemed as if that was the final accomplishment the queer community needed in order to be more equal to their straight counterparts. This is not the case because the very right to marriage for queer individuals could be taken away by Barrett’s concervative agenda. Considering how influential Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation could be on the rights of the American people, it is even more critical to keep fighting for our rights.
After much reflection I have decided that feminism shouldn’t be inclusive to everyone. Whether you identify as a woman or not, if someone is deliberately working to take the rights of women away they are not a feminist. Just because Amy Coney Barrett is a woman, does not inheritly make her leadership feminist. Let’s continue to fight against an administration that has done everything in its power to hold the rights of marginalized people hostage, and further the hateful nature of this country.