It's International Women's Day! Part 2

Audrey of Sweet n' Sassy wrote this last year for me to post last year, but there was a pandemic and massive labour issues so I am a little behind. And it is also now April May June JULY!

But really, is there ever a bad time to give a nod of your hat to a consistently marginalized, yet huge, facet of society? 

I hope you enjoy her post as much as I did. One thing I will say, in my opinion, is that it isn't just white men- maybe some of them take it to a new level, I'm not sure, it would seem to be the case, but it is also not unheard of that cis men of colour can also be profoundly horrible. (A certain Mr. Huxtable comes to mind...) I also will say- I know men from every bit of the rainbow who are genuinely completely wonderful- and why not? It's people. And while there may exist certain prevailing attitudes in certain groups as would not be found as frequently in others, there are really good people everywhere.  However, the challenge is that a lot has been deeply engrained within society and of course, women are the recipients of some of those beliefs. Even if individuals don't believe in these themselves. This is all obvious and I don't think I need to type more at this point. 

And- while I have the opportunity- I will convey this- Audrey is actually, genuinely a very impressive person. Like, out of anybody, no matter who or what they are or identify as, she is next level. I hope she writes an autobiography some day, so you too may be privy to her incredible path to outstanding achievements. Also- I am not impressed by many people, though I will reiterate that I am impressed by Audrey.  There are very few people who impress me, least of all the ones who receive the greatest accolades. Very few. Audrey is different. Highly impressive, Audrey!

Here is her writing, but wait before that- check this croissant: 

Here is Audrey's writing:

The woman anti “Women’s day”

Yes, I start right from the beginning by adding “” around that infamous famous day.

Gonna clarify right away : I know that International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. 

This definition is pulled out of the very own website of the organisation.

And theoretically, I have no issues with that person se.

I am a woman.

I have personal, social, economic, and cultural achievements (will let political out of it though cause it’s a whole topic!).

Achievements tasting like sweat and fear, victories despite tears and bruises, fights even when exhausted and out of breath.

I don’t need them to be celebrated one day per year.

What I need though is to know that a woman who goes to the authorities to denounce conjugal violence, sexual abuse, or harassement will be taken seriously and protected.

What I need is for society to stop pushing physical ideals on little girls and tormented young women, stop trying to sell us weight loss supplements and antidepressants, and teaching us to trade sex for love. To stop being more excited by an engagement ring than a college degree.

What I need is for superior white males to stop giving us unsolicited advices, stop thinking they know better, they do better, they are better. For them to stop making decisions about our bodies, and our lives. For them to stop having opinions on things they will never be able to experience and to stop deciding that we are exaggerating, that we are wrong, that we’ve talked enough.

The list goes on and on, and the more it goes the more I’m getting angry so I’m gonna stop there, cause I’m a woman, I would not wanna get hysterical.. right ?! 

So anyway, at this point, I’m sure you get the idea of why I am not thrilled by this day.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

I can’t help thinking: what if we replace the world “Women” by other targets of discriminations. Wanna try ?

Ok here goes :

International Black Day : a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of black people.

International Gay Day : a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of gay people.

International disability Day : a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of disabled people.

Doesn’t it feel uncomfortable ?

(Inspired by Noemi Delattre)

Doesn’t it feel like saying “bravo!!! We’ve decided to dedicate one day per year to celebrate all of your achievements as a woman/person of colour/homosexual/handicapped person because let’s face it, we didn’t believe it was possible !

Something to think about ...