On that unforgettable day at the Women’s March, I found myself smiling and bouncing along with the rhythm, caught in a surreal moment. Surrounded by 15 to 20 folks snapping photos, I watched in amazement as my almost 4-year-old daughter led a chorus of voices, shouting, “My body, my choice!” The crowd responded with gusto, echoing back, “Her body, her choice!”
Instead of fully absorbing the moment, it felt like I was observing a scene from a distance, unable to intervene or alter the course of events. Yet, there I was—both a participant and a prop in my daughter’s spontaneous performance. She had seized the attention of everyone nearby, and I was merely her stage.
As the day unfolded, my daughter quickly realized she could captivate the crowd’s adoration. With unbridled enthusiasm, she initiated new chants, mostly celebrating women’s rights, along with a cheeky anti-Trump refrain. While I have my reservations about certain political messages, my commitment to supporting her journey as a strong, empowered girl was unwavering.
We attended the Women’s March on Washington the day after the 2017 inauguration, not just because we live in D.C., but also due to my wife and I’s strong belief in equality and justice. The event stood as a powerful protest against misogyny, sexism, and the marginalization of various groups—issues that seemed even more pressing in light of the new administration’s troubling stances.
Now, you might judge us for bringing our daughter to an event so charged with adult themes, particularly as she joined in the chants. Is this cultural indoctrination? Yes, to an extent, but consider this:
- My daughter picked up a sign simply because she wanted to join the fun, attracted by its vibrant colors.
- She was curious about the words, and as a budding reader, we explained their meaning.
What I didn’t foresee was her leading the crowd in a chant that made my heart race: “Hey hey! Ho ho! That Donald Trump has got to go, hey hey!” My initial reaction was one of shock. A preschooler chanting mindlessly for applause? Wasn’t I the one who criticized parents using their kids as props at rallies? But then I faced a harsh reality check.
As a white man, my life has been largely free from the struggles of misogyny, sexism, and racial injustice. My understanding of these issues is largely secondhand, shaped by the experiences of my wife and friends. Watching my daughter chant made me question whether this was truly the right message for her at such a young age. Shouldn’t children grasp the context behind these protests before jumping in?
But then it hit me—what she was chanting wasn’t harmful or untrue. It’s fundamental to understand that her body belongs to her, a lesson we’ve been instilling since she could talk. In a world that often dismisses women’s autonomy, especially under the new administration, it’s vital she knows that consent is non-negotiable.
The earlier she learns that she owns her body, the better prepared she will be to navigate the challenges ahead. This philosophy extends to women’s health issues, including abortion. While my wife and I advocate for pro-choice views (not to be confused with pro-abortion), we’re also aware that our daughter will form her own beliefs in time. At least she’ll grow up knowing she has choices.
So, no, I’m not regretful that my little girl became an activist at the Women’s March, proudly holding her sign. Her body is her own, and that’s a message we should all remember.
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Summary: A father reflects on his daughter’s spirited participation at the Women’s March, highlighting the importance of empowering young girls to understand their autonomy and encouraging them to express their beliefs.