There was a surreal moment during the Women’s March when I found myself surrounded by a sea of cheering people, not quite comprehending the scene unfolding around me. My nearly four-year-old daughter, Emily, was in the center of it all, chanting “My body, my choice!” as the crowd echoed back, “Her body, her choice!” I stood there, smiling and bouncing to the rhythm, feeling both integral to this moment and merely a support beam for her enthusiasm.
This was not a one-time occurrence. Once Emily discovered that she could rally the crowd’s attention, she dove headfirst into the chants, many of which celebrated women’s rights, with a couple of anti-Trump slogans thrown in for good measure. We marched together until we finally found ourselves free of the bustling crowds and almost home.
The Women’s March took place the day after the 2017 inauguration, and living in D.C., my wife and I felt compelled to attend. We are passionate advocates for equality and want to raise an empowered daughter who understands the importance of these causes.
While the march’s primary purpose was to stand united for equality, it also served as a protest against the misogyny and sexism that many believed were exacerbated by the new administration. Regardless of varying opinions on the political landscape, we were certain about one thing: our daughter needed to witness this event.
I anticipated that she would shout, dance, and maybe even chant, but I never expected her to grab a sign and mimic the adults around her. Yet, she was clearly in her element. It wasn’t long before she started leading chants that resonated with the crowd, including the memorable “Hey hey! Ho ho! That Donald Trump has got to go, hey hey!”
At first, I was taken aback. Was I, in essence, allowing my child to be a part of something she didn’t fully understand? Would this be seen as cultural indoctrination? Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to note two things: 1) Emily picked up the “My Body, My Choice” sign from the ground, eager to be included; 2) Her interest in the colorful sign led us to explain its meaning, which she embraced with her characteristic curiosity.
As I watched her chant, I found myself grappling with my own privilege. As a white man, my life experiences have largely shielded me from the hardships associated with misogyny and racism. My understanding of these issues comes from the perspectives of my wife, who is biracial, and the stories of friends and family.
Initially, I questioned whether this was the right approach, thinking that she needed more context to navigate such complex topics. However, I soon realized that her chants weren’t harmful or misguided. In fact, they aligned with the foundational knowledge we’ve instilled in her: her body belongs to her, and the importance of consent is paramount.
In a world where we face ongoing issues surrounding women’s rights and health care, we want Emily to grow up understanding that she has the power to make choices about her own body. While my wife and I are pro-choice advocates, we believe in fostering an environment where Emily can arrive at her own beliefs, knowing that her choices are valid.
So, I embrace the fact that our daughter became a young activist at the Women’s March, holding her sign high. Her body is her own, and it’s essential that she knows that.
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Summary:
Jason shares the touching experience of attending the Women’s March with his young daughter, Emily, who unexpectedly took the lead in chanting slogans. The article explores the balance between encouraging activism and ensuring children understand the context of their actions. Jason reflects on his privilege as a white man and the importance of teaching consent and body autonomy to his daughter. Ultimately, he celebrates Emily’s participation, asserting the significance of empowering young girls to stand up for their rights.