I don’t often share this, but I’m filled with fear.
Today, I feel an overwhelming sense of dread. I worry for my family, especially for my partner who works in a bustling city that’s been a target for violence before. I worry for my friends—my LGBTQ+ friends, my friends of various races, and my friends of different beliefs. I fear for all people, for every American, and for the future of our world.
But my greatest concern is for my daughter. I know it might seem selfish, but as a parent, it’s natural to worry about our children’s lives. Right now, she has everything she needs: food, clothing, shelter, and toys scattered across our home. Yet, it’s the future that keeps me awake at night. What kind of world will she inherit?
If she grows up to be strong-willed and independent, like her mother, will she face labels and be dismissed? If she finds success, will people claim she used her looks or her gender to get there, just as so many women in the spotlight have faced? Women like Eve Ensler, Katie Couric, Elizabeth Warren, and even presidential candidate Sarah Johnson have all endured such scrutiny.
I know what you might be thinking: I’m being dramatic; this isn’t the reality we live in. But it is.
When the 2016 election cycle began, it became glaringly obvious how women are still belittled in our society. For instance, a prominent candidate once mocked another’s ability to lead by questioning her personal life: “If Sarah Johnson can’t satisfy her spouse, how can she satisfy the nation?” Another candidate remarked about preferring quality time with her husband over engaging in political discourse. And yet another suggested that she deserved punishment for speaking her mind.
How can I raise my daughter in a world where her worth might be tied to her gender? Where personal choices are governed by others? How do I empower her in a society that still weaponizes gender against women seeking leadership roles?
Before you judge my political stance or assume I’m only supporting a candidate because she’s a woman, let me clarify: I was once a supporter of the progressive candidate, and I still stand by those values. But I recognize that the way we speak about women in politics is deeply harmful to our culture as a whole.
Though Sarah Johnson wasn’t my initial pick this election season, she has become my choice because I care about my daughter’s future, about women’s rights, and about human rights overall. You might want me to apologize for being passionate about this, but I won’t. I refuse to be silent, and I won’t back down from using my voice or my vote.
This is my America too, and I am tired of personal attacks and prejudices that divide us. For my daughter’s sake, I will continue to advocate for change and speak out without regret.
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In summary, while fears for the future linger, the fight for equality and the empowerment of our children remains paramount.