Makers — A Must See, SAVE THE DATE

women's lib, women's liberation movement, gloria steinemI was a tomboy. This meant I played stickball in the street with the boys, wore my hair short and wasn’t afraid of small bugs or tall trees. For me, being a tomboy occasionally garnered ridicule, and never garnered opportunity. My daughter, Madelyn, is a tomboy. This means she can play any sport that interests her, including baseball, and is respected for her intensity and self-confidence, on and off the field.
A couple of years ago, together we heard some kids using the word, “gay” as a put-down. After, I sat with her and explained what the term meant, and why it is wrong to use it in a careless and demeaning way. I explained that years ago, gay men and women were less accepted — if at all in my community — and that it took years of patience, education and hardship to come to this point in history, where many of us are less afraid of that which makes us different. I told her we have very brave men and women to thank for this. At 8 years old, Madelyn was able to make an association in her own life. My constant hammering of how lucky she is to be born in 2001 instead of 1973 found a mark. “So,” she said, “it is just like I have to be thankful to all those girls who got mad and said ‘We are just as good as the boys.’ Right?” Smart girl.

Lest we forget …

Years ago, under the vision and guidance of Dyllan McGee, AOL and PBS teamed up to make MAKERS: Women Who Make America. It is a “digital video and broadcast initiative that aims to capture the extraordinary impact women have made in America over the past 50 years through a vast and ongoing collection of original interviews with trailblazing women of all walks of life.”
I had the great privilege of attending the premiere last week. There, I watched the first hour of this three hour event. I have since been on the Makers website and have watched the stories of these courageous women, many of whom did not appreciate their personal battle would have such global impact. I encourage you to take the time to watch on-air or online with your daughters and your sons. Our country is a better place because of all the women and men who said, “Enough!”
The stories of Gloria Steinem and Danika Patrick are inspiring, but, you will find just as much — if not more — value in the untold stories of the women who were beaten, literally and figuratively, but did not lie down. Thank you Makers for reminding me I have a debt of gratitude to all the girls who insisted we are just as good as the boys. I will repay this debt with remembrance. Thank you for documenting these tales before it is too late — from them, there is much to be learned. Look at the world — and the magazine stand. The fight is far from over.

Makers airs on PBS on February 26th — check your local listings. Go to www.makers.com for the stories.

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Author: Karen Latimer

Dr. Latimer is a Family Physician and Wellness & Parenting Coach. She works with parents who want to feel more confident when helping their children and coaches young adults to help them better navigate college life and transitions. Contact her at drkarenlatimer@gmail.com to learn more. She is the author of two Audible Originals, Take Back the House -- Raising Happy Parents and Worry Less, Parent Better. She is also the co-founder of the app that makes your life easier and puts social in a healthier place -- List'm.

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