General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIt's too much
The 2016 election was all about the misogyny. I saw men and women on the left feel perfectly fine using sexist slurs against Secretary Clinton. After all, they disliked her and did not support her. I watched many women get attacked online and while canvassing and called all kinds of sexist remarks by both the left and right. It happened many times to me and I was on the fence between Sanders and Clinton for much of the last primary. When I spoke up about the sexist slurs, I was attacked in real life and online. Those who supported Clinton faced a diatribe from an angry mob on both the left and the right.
I have canvassed my almost every election my entire adult life. Last election, for the first time, I faced sexist slurs. I was afraid.
This past two weeks have been gut wrenching. Watching those old white men and their rage at the survivors. Their rage at women for taking a stand and trying to change their plans to further control women's bodies and lives.
I do not know an adult woman who has not been sexually harassed, faced fear of rape and sexual assault, been ignored and talked over in professional meetings, and then been ridiculed and belittled when we chose to seek camaraderie and support from female colleagues. Too many of us have been raped or sexually assaulted. Yet, too many men have not heard us. Do not stand beside us. Tell us not all men are rapists as if this somehow helps with our rage. Too many say this is a women's issue instead of a major issue for all of us.
The fury is there and it will not go away soon.
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,400 posts)There are people who have shut down because of this. Find one and get them to turn their rage outward -- to vote to correct this mess -- instead of inward to despair.
cally
(21,596 posts)That is way too easy!. We all have to work! Canvass, make phone calls, send postcards, register voters, and turn out the vote. For those reading this who haven't done this, I find the work now the easiest and most rewarding. You are trying to turn out voters who agree with you. Not change rigid, hateful minds.
BigmanPigman
(51,623 posts)Hermit-The-Prog
(33,400 posts)For those who have withdrawn and resigned to doing no more than enduring, "just to vote" can be a big, important step back. People like you are crucial to this. Once upon a time, I was in that dark place and it was activists who brought me back. But I would never have bothered to make a pest of myself to non-voters if someone hadn't convinced me that it's still worth it to vote and inform others.
Thank you!
cally
(21,596 posts)I was thinking the other day, that I probably won't change this election but I might add a few droplets that will help form a blue wave. If many of us add our drops, it will happen.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,494 posts)...............
Flash953
(85 posts)The fact that you actually canvass places makes you a hero in my book. I canvassed in a conservative New Mexico town the first time Obamma won and we had people literally looking for their shotguns. I stand beside you.