I’m not gonna lie, Trump scares me. His entire belief system, his values, everything he stands for is the exact opposite to everything I believe in. After I finished listening to the “Grab the Pussy” recording I felt naturally disgusted but for about 30 seconds I did think to myself – well that’s what men say isn’t it. I know! I know. I’m disappointed in myself. In my defense, it’s testament to the power of the patriarchy that someone who is such a proud feminist in every sense of the word, could *almost* allow that type of behaviour. Of course I came to my senses and realised that isn’t actually “just what men say”.
I find it REALLY difficult to wrap my head around the type of thought process that still, in 2017, labels women as secondary to men. I just don’t get it. I wrote my dissertation on the representation of women in management. 12 years later there is STILL a glass ceiling. Like what the actual fuck, how can that be? Women STILL aren’t valued in the same way that men are. This is easily demonstrated by the pay gap. I know because I’ve experienced it first hand. I sat in a meeting room of the central London corporation that I was working for, on a conference call to the Head of HR in South Africa who told me “Well the only reason you’re getting this bonus is because you kicked up a fuss”. He said it in such a dismissive and patronising way, I have no idea how I didn’t call him a cunt. It was the single most unprofessional and enraging thing I have ever experienced in the work place and this was an environment that couldn’t have been more vile and male dominated. The three other people in the room (one of which was a man) visibly bristled with anger and discomfort but as they knew me well, they did their best diffuse the situation and keep me calm. I fought for over 6 months to get my pay reviewed and adjusted to be in line with my colleagues. On the day it was finalised I handed my notice in. I couldn’t work for a company that didn’t value my contribution. My only regret is that I didn’t bring a case against them but I had been knocked and beaten down so badly I didn’t have any fight left.
Trump’s rhetoric reinforces and legitimises the way that particular Head of HR thinks. I have no doubt in my mind that Mr HR would never have spoken to any of the men in the way he did to me that day. His choice of words were so deliberate and clearly linked to my gender. The fact that Trump can brag about sexually assaulting women and still get voted in to the most powerful political position in the world speaks volumes about how far we still have to go to address the balance of equality. It hurts my head.
Do you know what’s given me a bit of hope though? The women’s marches. I took part in one myself and listened to powerful, inspiring women talking about the fight we need to continue. What filled me with the most hope was the demographic of the march. Women and Men of all ages who all believe in equality. It’s so important to see that and have it visible to the world. I listened to some dickhead journalist being interviewed on BBC radio 4 who was sooo dismissive about the marches – what’s the point, what will it achieve, where’s the real action? etc. He totally missed the point. Seeing it, being a part of it IS the point. Realising that sane people do still exist in the world, that there is a lot of support for my liberal beliefs and demonstrating that we won’t be quiet about it is the point. I actually feel lucky to be in the UK. Yes, we did just vote for Brexit (don’t get me started) but we’re not in bad shape compared to America. We have a female prime minister for example – even if it was by default.
My phone just buzzed: Breaking news – Donald Trump to sign order to begin building wall on Mexican border. Oh fuck off. *Shakes head in disgust*
It’s gonna be a tough 4 years for us all, there is no doubt about that. I’m just looking towards 2020 and Michelle Obama sorting out the mess that Trump will no doubt leave the world in. Mark my words I am 100% going to kick up a fucking fuss every step of the way. Bring it on Trump. This pussy bites back.
