Day 303: Guess What You Don't Know You Missed

Today marks the closing of another Women’s History Month. Did you even know March is WH month? You wouldn’t be alone if you failed to realize it. Gone are the events celebrating suffrage, the movie marathon of “chick flicks” is nowhere to be seen and I have seen zero tributes online or in print. This must mean that equality is ours! Sexism is over! The double standard has judged its last “whore”! Oh no wait, it just means that we’re lazy and so busy protesting political minutia to support the accomplishments of the past.

Last month wasn’t much different. I think I saw maybe two mentions in all of February reflecting on the importance of Black History Month. I’m pretty sure we have not won the battle against racism yet, so what gives? Are these types of holidays only celebrated by grade school kids and the fringe these days? Or maybe this is some sort of conspiracy by white and latino men to rid the nation of these holidays or else demand for a “White Dude and Latino Amigo Month.” They’re just bitter and jealous clearly, and so they are depriving us of our rights to acknowledge the accomplishments and hard-won semi, sorta equality we now have.

I realize things have changed dramatically for the better. For one thing, I am allowed to wear my beloved trousers and not a skirt whenever I feel like it. Black men and women have the privilege to sit anywhere they want at Applebee’s or even the Olive Garden . . . though I’m not quite sure that’s a plus. Despite the improvements we’ve made, we still have a way to go in our society and globally before we’re actually all free and equal. Women’s and black history months might not serve the same purpose as was originally intended, but that does not mean they aren’t needed.

We need these reminders if for no other reason than to make us grateful for the progress made and tireless protestors and advocates that made it possible for us to be able to forget. If they had not come before us and fought against what must have seemed like insurmountable odds and opposition, we would be faced with our lack of freedoms every day. Instead, we don’t have to think about it. I am grateful and honored to be able to forget what those before me never imagined possible. Thank you Margaret Sanger and N.O.W and all those brave women who made our lack of appreciation and trouser wearing possible. If not for you, we’d never not know what we’re missing . . . or something like that.