Recently, I came across opinions about not participating in the Women's March on Facebook. Let me start by first saying that I respect and see your perspective; this has been likely shaped by your experiences. Let me also say that I'm not trying to persuade or harass you in any way, shape, or form. Because that doesn't solve anything. All I'm asking is to open your mind and attempt to put yourself in the shoes of women and men who do face inequality and injustice.
It's easy to think, "Oh, I've never have had any personal experiences where I've felt unequal to men." or "I know I'm equal to men." Trust me, it's extremely easy to fall into this trap of one-track mind. You might also think, "It's not my march. Women in this country are lucky." To some degree, that's true; but, like most things and ideas are, it's not all one-sided. While you might have had good experiences, others have not been "lucky" like you.
There are many women out there who are raped or sexually assaulted by close acquaintances or family members but don't report it for fear of being called a "tattle-tale" (what are we, 5?) or being told "she had it coming" or "she was practically asking for it."
There are many women out there who believe that they are not equal to men because that's what they grew up witnessing and don't know any different.
There are many women out there who's lives have been saved by birth control and abortions. Contrary to popular belief, birth control is also used by women with severe menstrual cycles (cramps, heavy bleeding, etc.); it's not just used by those who take it to have sex with a lowered risk for pregnancy. Recently, an old co-worker of mine shared her experience with having an abortion due to problems with the pregnancy (in case some people were wondering, she didn't have any control over the pregnancy problems). Her story (which she's made public) can be seen below.
There are many other issues that plague not only women of all shapes, sizes, and colors, but also men as well.
I didn't march, but I believe in and support the movement.
I believe that women should be able to walk home without having to keep her hand on the pepper spray in her coat pocket and people believe men when they have been sexually assaulted or raped and not brush it off saying, "At least you got some."
I believe that women should have the right over their own body, and not a handful of men deciding what rights we have when they don't know what it's like to be one.
I believe that women and men should be equally respected and paid for the work they do. #EqualPayForEqualWork
I believe that women and men should be created equal.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you if you read the article all the way through. Just because you haven't experienced any injustice doesn't mean it doesn't happen to others around the world and right down to possibly your next door neighbor.