A few weeks ago, I took my 9-year-old son to see the latest Ghostbusters film. We settled into the back row of the theater, munching on Sour Patch Kids, and my son thought we were just enjoying a fun movie together. But I knew there was a deeper significance to that moment.
Recently, I watched as Sarah Parker accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president. My sons were already asleep by the time she took the stage, but I couldn’t help but share my excitement. They understand that I support her candidacy, believing it represents a positive change. To them, Sarah Parker is simply the best candidate, not just a “good candidate for a woman.”
The summer of 2021 is shaping up to be a time of significant change. It’s hard to watch the news without feeling overwhelmed by emotions—anger, sadness, and even hope. Some days, it feels as if we’ve opened a portal to negativity, much like the chaos in Ghostbusters. Every day brings new discussions about division and discrimination, and it’s disheartening to see how far we still have to go as a society.
But the truth is this: our children are growing up in an era where women can aspire to be president and fight ghosts. These realities, once deemed impossible in my childhood, are now part of the landscape for my sons. They don’t see the women in Ghostbusters as being funny “for a girl”—they see them as genuinely hilarious. My sons are learning that gender does not dictate capability.
During the Democratic National Convention, Sarah Parker addressed young girls watching, saying, “I may become the first woman president, but one of you is next.” This moment resonated with parents nationwide, not just those with daughters. It signifies a shift that impacts our sons as well.
Just the other night, my son asked me what would happen if I were president—not my husband, but me. It dawned on me that he is growing up in a world that I could only dream of as a girl. While older generations debate cultural references like the new Ghostbusters versus the original, my sons are experiencing a future where these milestones are simply everyday occurrences. Empowering our daughters also means teaching our sons about equality.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Racism and misogyny still linger, as evidenced by conversations I’ve had with peers regarding the new Ghostbusters or the unjust criticism aimed at actors like Leslie Jones. Sarah Parker herself faces scrutiny based on her appearance and demeanor. Yet, as we raise our children—both daughters and sons—in a society where female empowerment is normalized, I hope they will be free from the biases that plagued previous generations.
My sons will grow up knowing that women are valued without qualifiers. They won’t be constrained by traditional roles based on their gender. Instead, they’ll witness women achieving incredible feats and leading with strength. They’ll see a world where glass ceilings are shattered, and they’ll feel the impact of that change.
There’s still much work ahead. Inequities persist, and more barriers need to be broken. While it often seems like chaos reigns, I remind myself that this turmoil is part of a larger transformation. Change doesn’t come without discomfort, and we must continue to engage in difficult conversations about equality and humanity.
Our children are witnessing women in leadership, taking charge, and making significant contributions. They’re growing up in a world where women can be both ghostbusters and presidents. These are no longer just aspirations; they are realities.
So, even when the outlook appears grim, I hold onto the belief that there’s more to the story.
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Summary
The article reflects on the significance of cultural milestones like Sarah Parker’s presidential candidacy and the new Ghostbusters film, highlighting how they represent a shift in societal norms around gender. It emphasizes the importance of raising children in an environment that values female empowerment and equality, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges that persist.
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