When I wrote Am I Blue? following President Obama’s election in 2008, I was jubilant at what appeared to be an enormous step for Civil Rights in this country.  With the 2012 election just days away, I am again personally invested in the outcome.  In this election, there is even more at stake for all minorities—especially women.

Too many times in my psychology practice, my young female patients say, “I’m not a feminist.”  They say it like “feminist” is a four letter word.  In the late 20th century, the feminist movement became associated with rage and radicalism.  I’m fully supportive of the “third wave” focus on overall acceptance of a woman’s choice to be whatever she wants to be and fighting against oppression based on gender identity.  But feminism has always been about EQUAL RIGHTS and CHOICE.  Too many of us have become complacent, taking for granted the rights women fought for starting in the late 1800’s.

And why aren’t women enraged?  Even the phrase “women’s rights” implies we are battling for something that should be ours without having to fight.  Have you ever heard the phrase “men’s rights?”  How are ANY of us in ANY MINORITY not enraged?!  How is it possible that in 2012, ALL of us are being told who we can love and what we can do with our bodies?  How is it possible that a small percentage of men and radical religious leaders are still in charge of what should be our rights—and not doled out as privileges?

If Mitt Romney wins this election, women will lose control of our bodies.  Romney has promised to ban same-sex marriage, overturn Roe v. Wade (which legalized abortion), immediately defund Planned Parenthood, and repeal the Affordable Care Act.  Without access to affordable contraception or abortions, more women (who already earn only 7o cents to every dollar men make) will slide into poverty.  And where will that leave the children they were forced to have?  Even when victims of rape or incest.

We are on a very slippery slope.  If someone else controls our bodies and our sexuality—what is to guarantee we won’t eventually be required to cover ourselves with burqas?  Women constitute more that 50% of the population of the United States.  In 2008, women made up 60% of the vote.  We CAN make a difference.  So PLEASE get out there and vote for CHOICE.  REFUSE to allow any MORE of our power to be ripped away.

Now, I invite you to watch two videos.  The first is recently made and the second recorded in 1975.

Choose YOUR anthem!

“You Don’t Own Me” PSA from You Don’t Own Me on Vimeo.


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