In case you’ve been avoiding all news outlets and social media sites and have not yet heard, there are quite a few people upset by the loss of Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton during this year’s presidential election. But, if you’re sick of hearing about politics, fear not. This is not a political piece. Instead, it’s a little reminder of some women who have already accomplished great things for us.
1. Stephanie Kwolek
Looking at that name, you probably have no idea who this woman is. You probably don’t even care to know anything about her. But maybe you should. In 1966, Stephanie Kwolek invented the Kevlar material that keeps our men and women in blue safe.
2. Dr. Grace Murray Hopper
Do you like sitting in front of your computer for hours doing absolutely nothing productive? Then give thanks to Dr. Grace Murray Hopper, the woman who invented the compiler. In case you didn’t know, the compiler is what allows English commands to easily be translated into computer code. Hopper was also part of the 1959 team that developed COBOL, one of the first modern programming languages.
3. Elizabeth Magie
For years, we’ve given credit to the Parker Brothers for the thing that tears families apart and destroys friendships (I’m referring to Monopoly, of course). However, in 1904 the beloved board game (originally called The Landlord’s Game) was invented by Elizabeth Magie, and its purpose was to teach players about the unfairness of land-grabbing, the disadvantages of renting, and the need for a single land value tax on owners. The patent was later purchased for 500 dollars with absolutely no royalties.
4. Mary Shelley
Okay, you have to at least recognize this name. After all, it was the 21 year old Mary Shelley who published Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus and essentially created the science fiction genre. So, to all those crazy Star Wars: Rogue One fanboys complaining over the fact the film has a female lead (and that that’s the most unbelievable part of the entire franchise): back off. Y’all wouldn’t even have science fiction without women.
5. Mesopotamian women
What guy doesn’t love kicking back with his bros and enjoying man’s unofficial official beverage? Oh, wait, what’s that? Historians say it’s actually ancient Mesopotamian women who were the only ones allowed to brew beer since their skills were so important? Huh. Well, you’re welcome, guys.
So, while I get some people are bummed over Secretary Clinton’s loss, at least women can still definitely say that we get [sh]it done!