When I was growing up in the 80's, I always believed I would see massive changes in the world in my lifetime.
And I have.
The technological revolution of the 90s and 00s through computers, phones, and our major disruptor – the internet, has been rapid and far-reaching.
Social media has been key in influencing cultural and societal shifts across the world. Viral movements have brought people together to fight oppressive regimes and highlight the many social injustices of humankind. But there has always been one movement that seemed to be dragging out for longer than I ever expected. That tired old issue of 'Feminism'.
Whereas feminism had always been at the forefront of my mind as one of the most important issues of our time, the word 'feminist' has, and is, mostly still seen as a 'dirty' word. One that noone wants to be associated with.
Strangely, people have come to think that wanting equal rights for women, and thereby all people, is somehow threatening and abhorrent.
The open-mindedness and optimism of the 1980's seemingly slipped away under the multitude of internet trolls worked to trample and discredit strong-minded women who shared their points of view. A quick check of 'feminism' in the online 'Urban Dictionary' might clarify what I mean, though much of what is written there looks like juvenile locker room scratchings: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=feminism).
However, this year was different.
The revelations of the #metoo campaign on social media have rippled out across the globe.
Recognition of sexual entitlement and other forms of toxic perception – where 'power over' is preferred to 'power with' – seems to be finally getting the attention it deserves – and will lead, hopefully, to real and lasting change.
While yet-to-fall-emperor Trump wears no clothes, Weinstein, Spacey, Bourke, along with so many others, are literally floating to the surface like rotten eggs... to be called to account for their abhorrent behaviour.
This song below was released by First Aid Kit for International Women's Day. It's addressed to those whose behaviour has caused great pain and the society that protects the perpetrator and persecutes the victims. It's an in-your-face track that may help with the self-harm, confusion and suppressed rage that many have carried throughout our lives after being subjected to sexual violence and harrassment. Kudos to sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg on this great song.
