Every election cycle women have an opportunity to change the world. All it takes is letting our voices be heard, not as parrots for the political machine but as independent thinkers who understand that the best form of government is one that is clearly "... of the people, by the people and for the people..."
In November 2009, at the age of 96, my mother passed away. I tell you this not to elicit expressions of sympathy but because her age has become my frame of reference for this article. When my mother was born, women could not vote. I had never given that much thought until the current political campaign polluted the airwaves.
Funny the memories we store away in the scrapbook that is our mind. Many of them, mental images that seemed unimportant at the moment they were created, lay buried and gathering dust until a word or action scatters the particles of time and uncovers them. The photo I see so clearly is of my mom -- hair curled perfectly, makeup applied, pearl necklace at her throat – rushing off with my dad to vote. I was, perhaps, six at the time, but the significance of what they were about to do was not lost on me… not then, especially not now.
When I was getting my basic education, civics was an actual subject we studied every week. We learned about the Constitution and all the amendments. We discussed the people who fought for change and how those changes make the Constitution the amazing document it is today.
A woman’s right to vote was just one topic covered and, honestly, it was not presented as anything special, even though in the 1950s, the 19th Amendment still crinkled with newness. One reason might be that I went to Catholic school, where the teaching nuns had willingly given up their rights to so many freedoms. However, despite their subservient lifestyle, they did manage to instill in their students the importance of voting their conscience.
While in high school, I vividly recall talking with my friends about the “big day.” We were not referring to the prom or graduation or getting our driver’s license, although those were important events. We were talking about being able to vote. I remember how special I felt standing on line to cast my first ballot. The smile on my face could not be contained.
Keep in mind that this was the 1960s, and the voices for change were being heard all over the country. Like the patriots before us, we, the people, were protesting injustices and speaking out on the need for reform. The draft was in effect, our boys were being sent to almost certain death in Vietnam, college students were rallying in opposition to the war and the civil rights movement was gaining momentum. Women were standing up for what they believed in, and the world was taking notice.
I was not courageous enough to join the ranks of activists pushing for reform, but I could have my say just by pulling a small red lever behind a blue curtain. Like my mother before me, I combed my hair, applied lipstick, hung my peace symbol around my neck and set out to do my patriotic duty. Did I make a difference? I would like to think so.
So, here we are 104 years after the signing of one of the most important documents in our nation’s history and in the fight for equal rights. We have learned much, but sadly, we have failed to pass that knowledge on to younger generations. We have forsaken civics.
I recently spoke with some young adults who had either just turned 18 or were about to celebrate that momentous birthday. Very few were even thinking about registering to vote. They all knew the name of the president of the United States, but few could remember the Vice President’s name. She was just “some woman.” They were able to name a few of the people who had recently declared their interest in running for president, but they could not tell me anything about their positions on important issues. A woman’s right to choose for herself regarding birth control and abortion was of little interest as was the economy, gun control, and immigration reform. They did, however, know every character in the latest superhero movie and could sing, albeit poorly, all 17 songs on the Barbie movie soundtrack.
I am saddened that with an election on the horizon, a victory so hard won is so little remembered and applauded. At this time in history, women need to take a more active role in politics – as did our grandmothers and mothers before us. How I wish parents today taught by example the way my mom taught me. In her honor, and in honor of all those women who fought to give me the right to vote and, thereby, the right to control my own destiny, I have bought a pearl necklace. I plan to wear it from now on when I go to the polls.
Donna Carbone is the Executive Director/Playwright in Residence at the Palm Beach Institute for the Entertainment Arts, where education through entertainment is the mission statement.
Please visit: pbinstituteforentertainmentarts.com