The times they are a'changing

but these changes are a long time coming

The birth of my beautiful great-niece last week has opened up a range of emotions in me.  Hope for the future; a fierce feeling of wanting to protect her from the evils in this world; dreaming of being able to share with her activities that some may consider old-fashioned – such as baking Christmas cookies, knitting or other creative arts that open up the doors to the joy of “making”.

I recall time spent with my Grandmother.  When she would come to visit, she would open her suitcase and ask me what I would like to learn this visit!  She was patient and loving in her own way.  She was not the typical white-haired granny that one pictures, full of hugs and kisses.  She was tall (5’11”), lean and not overly demonstrative.  But she did demonstrate her love through her actions.  You knew that she would be there for you no matter what.  Her husband, my grandfather, passed in 1941.  She spent the next 48 years living as a strong, independent woman.  She was the most incredible role model.  (the little girl at the top right of the photo is my grandmother)

I recall the early days of my career in Toronto.  Going for an interview for an internal promotion and having the interviewer place his hand on my thigh while he told me that I had a good chance of winning this promotion.  My sense of betrayal was deep.  Fast forward over 40 years to January, 2017 and a worldwide Women’s March whose goal was to “send a bold message…to the world that women’s rights are human rights”.  In October, 2017, I wrote a blog post that reflected my disgust at the notion that the “workplace culture” was different in the ‘60s and ‘70s and that sexual harassment and intimidation was pretty much accepted behaviour for people in positions of authority.

From the civil rights movement that started in the ‘50s  under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King to women’s rights movements dating back to the 1880’s here in Canada, it seems that we have moved forward in some ways yet we have not moved forward far enough.  That racial and gender rights should still be an issue decades and decades later is astounding and absolutely wrong.

Regardless of your political leanings, you must admit that the election of Kamala Harris to the office of Vice-President (elect) represents an amazing milestone.  First and foremost, she is the first woman to hold this position.  And she is a woman of mixed race, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India.  But she is not a “token” – she also brings a wealth of education and experience.  She is, to me, proof positive that we are moving in the right direction for both racial and gender equality.

There are both some wonderful memories and some memories that fuel anger in my past.  I want to be a part of a movement that facilitates positive changes in this world.  I want my great-niece to live in a world where there is no gender inequality, no need to fear violence even if it is hidden in flowery words of love.  I want her to have faith that she can achieve anything that she sets her mind to with hard work, dedication, education and passion.  

Follow your dreams, sweet Charlotte.  I’ve got your back.