It has been suggested that I sometimes overreact to situations. For instance, rising from the coziness of my couch—especially in Wisconsin, where a warm blanket is a must—I find myself walking across the room in silence. In front of my three children, I’ll grab the remote and change the channel if a commercial appears that objectifies women.
We simply won’t watch it.
When magazines that we subscribe to arrive at our doorstep, my boys are aware that I take them first, meticulously flipping through the pages to identify and eliminate any inappropriate representations of women. Often, only fragments of the original magazine remain after my inspection.
We will not tolerate it in our home.
If we’re driving and the radio plays lyrics that crudely suggest a woman’s purpose, I’ll swiftly turn it off, as if I’m trying to eject it through the dashboard.
We won’t passively accept it.
My children have grown accustomed to my actions; I’ve been doing this for as long as they can remember, explaining my motivations along the way. This is my way of teaching them about our standards regarding women and how they are portrayed in society. I often hear narratives suggesting, “This is how society operates. You cannot change it.” Headlines frequently ignore the pressing issues surrounding toxic attitudes toward women.
While I cannot control societal influences or the media’s frequent depictions of violence against women, I can make a statement through my actions about what I believe is unacceptable. I’ve always held that children are more likely to observe our actions than heed our words. Thus, I’ll continue this approach.
Do I believe I can manage every aspect of what my boys encounter in school or at friends’ homes, especially as two of them are poised to leave for college soon? I’m fully aware that they have encountered as much, if not more, than I have. Yet, I am their first female role model, and they watch my reactions closely. This is why I will persist in my personal revolution within our household.
A revolution is necessary—one that challenges societal norms regarding respect for women. I’ll keep pushing boundaries, even when others tell me it is futile. I want my children to remember my actions long after I’m gone, as a reminder of the stance I took against the objectification of women.
Despite what society may convey through various media, telling my children to accept these portrayals, I will firmly assert, “No. We do not have to accept this.”
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In summary, while societal norms can be daunting, I believe in the importance of challenging and reshaping the narrative surrounding women’s representation. Through my actions, I aim to instill values of respect and equality in my children, encouraging them to question the status quo.