In the wake of the recent women’s marches, conservative blogger Jake Rivers took to social media to express his bewilderment at why so many women felt compelled to take to the streets. Instead of engaging with the multitude of perspectives shared during the protests, Rivers chose to dismiss the movement entirely, offering his own interpretation as if it were the definitive take on the issue.
In his blog post, Rivers challenged readers to identify a single right that men possess in America that women do not, suggesting that women have no valid reason to protest. His tone seemed to imply that women should simply be grateful for the rights they already have, raising the question: “Why can’t women just be quiet and appreciate what’s been given to them?”
Rivers claimed that women in the United States do not face significant challenges that warrant a march, asserting that there are no institutional or legal barriers preventing their success. This perspective overlooks the historical context of oppression faced by women, people of color, and marginalized communities. Just because legal protections exist does not mean that discrimination and inequality have been eliminated. This is akin to saying that since drugs are illegal, America does not have a drug problem.
When Rivers stated, “Yes, issues like domestic violence occur, but these aren’t legal persecutions,” he missed the mark entirely. Research shows that many victims of intimate partner violence do not seek the help they need, often due to a lack of faith in the legal system to protect them. For example, 34% of those injured by intimate partners do not receive medical care. This has real-world implications, affecting women’s ability to work and provide for their families.
In an attempt to belittle the movement, Rivers cited the right to abortion as a unique privilege afforded to women. However, the motivations behind the marches were far deeper than a singular issue. Many participants were advocating for the protection of essential services such as Planned Parenthood, which offers vital health care services, including cancer screenings and prenatal care. The potential loss of funding for these services could leave hundreds of thousands of women without necessary medical care.
Rivers challenged the supporters of the Women’s March to name a right that is uniquely denied to men. I would encourage him to consider that just because he does not personally experience certain injustices does not mean they do not exist. The protests were a display of freedom, a right fought for by countless individuals before us. Women’s suffrage, civil rights, and marriage equality were all achieved through activism and public outcry, not through silence.
In conclusion, the Women’s March represents a collective stand for rights that many still feel are under threat. It’s essential to listen to those who march and understand their experiences rather than dismiss them outright. If you’re interested in more discussions about women’s health and rights, check out this blog post on intracervicalinsemination.com. For those exploring home insemination, Make A Mom provides excellent resources. Additionally, the ACOG offers valuable information on treating infertility and supporting women’s health.