A few weeks ago, I took my 9-year-old son to see the new Ghostbusters. We nestled into the back row of the theater, just the two of us, sharing Sour Patch Kids. While my son thought we were enjoying a delightful film about ghosts together, I recognized the deeper significance of that moment.
Recently, I watched as Clara Johnson accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president. My sons were already asleep by that time, but we discussed my enthusiasm for her speech earlier in the day. They understand that I support her candidacy, and they view Clara Johnson as a strong candidate, a stark contrast to her opponent.
Yet, I know there’s more to this than just politics. The summer of 2023 has undeniably been one of the most intense and emotional periods in recent memory. It’s challenging to engage with the news without feeling overwhelmed by sadness or anger. Sometimes, it feels as if we’ve opened a portal to chaos, reminiscent of Ghostbusters, spiraling into a storm of negativity. The divisive rhetoric and hateful comments make me worry that society has regressed instead of progressed.
But there’s more to it than that.
The truth is, my children will inherit a world where women can achieve the highest offices and confront supernatural forces. These two realities—once unimaginable during my own childhood—have become a part of their everyday lives. My son doesn’t view the women in Ghostbusters as funny “for a girl”; he simply finds them hilarious. Similarly, my sons don’t see Clara Johnson as a suitable candidate “for a woman”; they recognize her as the best choice overall.
During the Democratic National Convention, Clara Johnson said, “If there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say, I may become the first woman president, but one of you is next.” Parents across the nation, including those of little boys, felt a wave of inspiration. This is a pivotal moment not just for our daughters but also for our sons.
Just the other night, my son asked what it would mean if I became president—not his father, but me—and in that moment, I realized he’s growing up in a world that I could only dream of as a girl. While older generations debate whether the new Ghostbusters matches the original’s humor and cheer on a female presidential candidate, my sons are maturing in an environment where these achievements are normal. This shift is vital not only for daughters but also for sons; to teach our daughters about empowerment, we must also educate our sons about equality.
Despite the progress, racism and misogyny still linger. Conversations with seemingly progressive friends about whether the new Ghostbusters can be as funny as its predecessor, the hateful backlash against Leslie Jones, and the way Clara Johnson is critiqued for her appearance highlight ongoing biases. However, as our children—both daughters and sons—grow up in a society that embraces female empowerment, I hope they can rise above the prejudices that have shaped previous generations.
My sons will know a world where women are respected without qualifications like “for a girl.” They will not be viewed as the default “protector” or “provider” based solely on their gender. Instead, they will witness women excelling in various fields, breaking glass ceilings, and reshaping societal expectations.
While the road ahead is still fraught with challenges, and many ceilings remain to be shattered, it’s essential to acknowledge the significant strides we have made. Though it often seems that chaos reigns—fueled by divisive figures—I remind myself there’s more to the story. We are witnessing a transformation of expectations, a widening of possibilities, and a shift in mindset that is crucial for progress.
Our children are growing up in a world where they see women in leadership roles, actively making a difference, and leading with purpose. They can envision a future where women are both ghostbusters and presidents, a reality rather than just a dream.
Though times can feel dire, there is indeed a deeper narrative at play.
In summary, our children are maturing in an era where female empowerment and equality are becoming the norm, and it’s crucial for both daughters and sons to witness and participate in this evolution.