"I myself have never able to find out precisely what a feminist is. I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat" Rebecca West
" To those who can’t see the point of International Women’s Day: you are the very reason it exists. International Women’s Day is commemorated because gender inequality still persists. The day this ceases to be a reality is the day we can erase it from our calendars."
To those who can't see the point
A few links to celebrate International Women's Day, and draw some attention to what we cannot yet celebrate.
Since the last IWD, country icon Loretta Lynn received the Presidential Medal of Honour from Barack Obama in 2013. Lynn was outspoken but not partisan in that she at times supported and criticised both US political parties, especially with anti-war messages from Vietnam to Iraq. Whilst crediting feminism for raising important issues that otherwise would have remained suppressed, she criticised it for what she saw as its middle class concerns and neglect of issues affecting working-class women. In that vein she once charted a song warning other women to stay away from her hard-drinking womanising spouse unless they wanted a trip to Fist City; advised amorous partners not to come home from drinking with loving on their minds; and drew attention to the double standards faced by divorced women in Rated X (covered by White Stripes). The Pill was banned by a number of radio stations but its message of freedom from pregnancy within marriage (rather than simple sexual freedom) was misunderstood by those who didn't listen till the end. It was credited by rural physicians with spreading the contraception message amongst poor and dispersed populations who either weren't receiving or could not read government literature on the subject.
Loretta Lynn - The Pill
And extending our politicised country theme The Dixie Chicks were vilified for criticising the Bush administration and apparently disrespecting some of their fans in an interview. They weren't given the chance to start a debate before they received appalling death and rape threats and demonstrations at gigs put an end to their live performances for a time. Their brilliant comeback album pulled no punches, with tracks like The Long Way Round, Lubbock or Leave It (critical of their home town's attitudes), and the anthemic Not Ready to Make Nice which speaks to anyone not ready to take the easy option - but especially women who are so often expected to.
Dixie Chicks - Not Ready to Make Nice
And a few IWD specials from the Independent
International womens day-here's why it matters
The Guardian, which has 237 links including debunking myths about why there aren't more women at the top, feminist dissent and female techies.
The Guardian - International Womens Day
Google doodle - international womens day 2014
And the IWD homepage with many links and resources
International Womens Day Home
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