Many are talking of the misogyny and bigotry toward women being endemic or a partial reason why Hillary Clinton did not win this election. I have no way of writing in completion an article on how much more complex I think this election was or the inequities of society at large and around the world. In fact, we over simply much of everything anymore and, in part, I think it is because of "the sound bite" or "the tweet." One hundred forty characters isn't much of a complete thought. We want to get “the burn” in and boast our egos and opinions while many opinions aren’t worth the bits they’re encoded in. That, however, is for a different forum.
There is something I would like to go on the record as a white male: I have always had an affinity toward strong women. With men, it is somewhat assumed that one will be strong and courageous. Perhaps that is also a societal downfall of the male population but I am not writing this to discuss the sociological implications of the patriarch.
I really wanted to write this as small tribute to some women, both fictional and real, who are icons of strength, honor, intelligence, and power women possess.
In fiction (note the sci-fi motif):
Ellen Ripley (Alien)
Dana Scully (The X-Files)
Jadzia Dax (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
Yu Shu Lien (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
Kira Nerys (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
Dr. Beverly Crusher (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
Lady Macbeth (Macbeth)
Guinan (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
President Laura Roslin (Battlestar Galactica)
Lily Sloane (Star Trek: First Contact)
Catherine Willows (CSI: Crime Scene Investigators)
Michonne (The Walking Dead)
Aeon Flux (Aeon Flux, animated series)
Dr. Margo Green (The Relic)
Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)
Catwoman/Selina Kyle (Batman Returns)
Clarice Starling (The Silence of the Lambs)
Terry Doolittle (Jumpin' Jack Flash)
In the media and business:
Judge Marilyn Milian (Former Florida State Circuit Court Judge)
Senator Elizabeth Warren (Senator, Massachusetts)
Rachel Maddow (Political commentator)
Oprah Winfrey (TV personality)
Michelle Obama (First Lady of the United States)
Bozoma Saint John (Apple, marketing executive)
Madonna (Music artist)
Whoppie Goldberg (Actree and TV personality)
Sally Yates (Attorney General of the United States)
Women whom I know personally:
Jennifer Braatz
Sasha Navarro
Siobhan LaGro
Sarah Cameron
Marissa Stuart
Janet Thomas
Karen Stone
Jaquai Harris
Karen Koenig
Sheila Fitzpatrick
Carlye Hirsh-Wolf
Alex Mollon
Brooke Schulze
Colleen Rudziewicz
Tonja Thigpen
Beth Hefel
Patricia Thomas
This is a just a short list.
When people ask me why a strong female character (fictional or otherwise) is so appealing to me, I honestly do not have an answer. There is a visceral response for which it seems english has no words. It is not logical, sexual, or simply emotional. If a male character were to replace said female, I would not have the same reaction or connection. Perhaps it is because I prefer equals to subordinates. Perhaps it is because, in a generally patriarchal society, these strong women stand out so boldly. The reality is, I can’t entirely explain it but the sum of what I am writing is to assure women that you do have allies in men, like myself, who want to see your success because it would be awesome and we value your strength and who you are.
Let us (all of us) keep moving forward and not let this moment in time discourage.
#ImwithHer (all of the Hers out there)