According to the Christian Science Monitor (and, yes, I recognize the irony in a "Frum" woman quoting from a Christian "source" - but they have really good reporting, so I'm going with it), "International Women’s Day originally commemorated the working rights protests led by female garment workers."
I'm proud to say, although the article points out that that, "Many seem to forget the holiday’s ties to the working rights movement in the United States and the Socialist Party", a movement that has become something that I have negative opinions about, that my frum great-grandmother was one of those protesting garment workers.
Yes, proud. Because although the "working rights movement" and - especially - "the Socialist Party", have tendencies that I find destructive to democracy, (fodder for an entire different post), those women who fought for the rights of women in the garment district were fighting for the basic, and essential, equality that women deserve - and that's a fight worthy of respect and pride.
Knowing that I had a great-grandmother who fought for women's rights is definitely a big part of what inspired my own strong feelings about women's rights and equality, so today, on International Women's Day, I want to honor her and thank her for fighting for my, and all American women's, rights. Thank you Grandma!
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ReplyDeleteWow John, just wow.
ReplyDeleteOn to a more sane person, welcome back FF. I constantly find myself on the Christian Science Monitor- they're very good at what they do. It bothers me a bit that their website puts the Jewish ones to shame, but... the Internet is not really "our" place, so not too bothered.
Fascinating article. I remember reading about the Triangle Waist Company last year and wrote something about it. No idea where I put it though.
Sorry, but I'm taking Mr. Hates American Women's comment off. I'm not interested in allowing my blog to be a place for crazies to advertise their blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Lost!
I'd do the same. But thankfully, my blog isn't popular enough to attract such crazies.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's any point in criticizing the Socialist Party, since I don't think it exists any more.
ReplyDelete