Each woman was there for a different reason and that's what I wanted more focus on! #whyImarch was the hashtag that needed to trend. No one issue mattered more. The issue is = HEAR US; each of us. We all have something to say based on our life experiences.
Some said women were whining (just roaring), and it became a focus about what is between our legs as the reason to stomp along. I so, so, very much wanted it to about what's in our minds. What women think. What women say. What women can offer. We can speak and provide insight into complex issues our society faces.
The negative backlash came because we only listened to what we were fed on the news or Facebook. Opinions with no frame of reference. Political opinions. Religious opinions. Uninformed opinions. We didn't respect why each woman was there; the individual journeys that motivated them to march. I wanted more stories. Each woman had life experiences that shaped her drive to participate. That's what we all forgot - that we are all enduring incredible challenges. We come from different places, not only physically, but emotionally. Let's hear about those places. Let's truly listen before we respond.
This is turning into a bit of a rant; yeah I rant, because I think. I think that all of us need to stop the negativity. Think before you type. Would we speak out loud to someone what we type on their status update? Social media holds too much aggression. I'm just asking us to be a bit more kind. My take-away from the march: Think about each woman as an individual with something truly meaningful to contribute.
Wishful closer: Moving forward society can show they hear women by taking action. Fix the wage gaps, achieve better representation in the upper echelons of business and politics, accept that we can sit at the table and offer perspective. Women have a voice now more than ever, so yes, we need to keep strong and march on until they listen. Truly listen.
Oh and "Just a reminder. There's not two of you - Internet you and real you. There is just one real you. Which means if you're not kind on the internet, you're not kind. - Glennon Melton Doyle"