Women History's Month and Bianca

14-yr. old striker, Fola La Follette, and Rose Livingston Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash

Women’s History Month had roots in socialist and communist celebrations. It then came back to the forefront during the women’s movement in the 1960s.

I discussed six significant women here. A summary: Abigail Adams reminded her husband “to remember the ladies.” Women have always demanded a voice. Sojourner Truth was inspired by God to preach against slavery and for women’s rights. Susan B. Anthony demanded the right to vote. Amelia Earhart showed women could soar the heavens. Eleanor Roosevelt and Shirley Chisholm represented the United States here and abroad. Betty Friedan reminded people of the fictional “feminine mystique” and demanded a truly equal place for women in society.

(There are also separate entries for each woman.)

I talked separately about “Constance Baker Motley: Pioneering the Path as America’s First African American Woman Federal Judge.” Also, women’s suffrage, with a somewhat depressing final comment about Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Constitution speaks of “We the People,” and like “persons” including everyone, including black people, women in principle should be included. 

Gerard Magliocca has a fascinating article about an early recognition of women's suffrage rights (by two white men) in the 1870s. Conservative originalism is not the only approach.

Dobbs v. Jackson was a gigantic step back regarding women’s rights. Women’s equality includes rights and access to health care, including abortion services. 

The blockage has many components, including conservative religious establishments and infringements on the free exercise of religion and conscience.

Women’s history includes trans history. Women include trans people. Attacks on trans people are repeatedly the promotion of conservative sexual politics.

The study of history concerns the whole human race. The study of prehistory involves learning about Fred and Wilma Flintstone (metaphorically speaking).

Sometimes, that involves some underexamined materials. For instance, the U.S. Constitution was influenced by various societal developments. How many accounts discuss how women specifically influenced things?

In the realms of women’s history, perhaps I might fairly include Miss Bianca, the eloquent, elegant, and brave mouse that repeatedly takes part in rescues.

I recently read the amusing Miss Bianca in the Antarctic by Margery Sharp. Sharp also wrote many popular adult novels before her Rescuers series of children's books. In that book, Bianca and Bernard spend most of the time trying to save themselves.

Who knew Emperor Penguins were so boorish? Or maybe it was just that one!