Barbara Boxer, the United States Democratic Senator of California, recently released her memoir "The Art of Tough".
I have been following Barbara Boxer politically for quite some time now, and has become a woman I can proudly say I champion.
This is why when I saw that she had written a memoir, I ran to Barnes and Noble to buy a copy. They literally had to go get it from the back room because they had just shipped in that day.
After reading the book, I have honestly fallen in love with her even more. Her heart, her ideas and her successes. She fights out loud for what she believes in, something I admire in her wholeheartedly.
Now, I know some of you hold different views from her, so I hope you are not offended when I say that this book is a must-read for all women.
I understand that there are many who do not agree with certain issues that she has publicly fought for, such as her pro-choice stance on abortion. I understand if you disagree with this position with every fiber of your being, and I do think that many of your reasons are not only valid, but virtuous.
Personally, I am a full supporter of pro-choice, and although I will not delve into my reasons right now, this quote from Boxer sums up all I have to say on this issue,
"When you hold a minority position on an issue of conscience, it's your duty to speak out, even when you're taunted; even when it looks hopeless."
Regarding the book again, I also know the former Republican presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush of whom she criticizes quite harshly in the book, you instead hold them high on a pedestal of honor and greatness.
That being said, I am fully aware that reading some of these chapters might make you upset. They might make your eyes burn. All I am asking is that you push through.
Push through your opposing ideals for one moment and try and value all that one woman was able to accomplish in an environment that was ruthlessly controlled by men.
In a time where a woman having any kind of voice concerning the United States of America was unheard of, she had the courage to literally sing in front of all the sexist male senators... on multiple occasions.
She has paved the way for women to have a voice in a government that was built by white male supremacists.
She has stood up to a number of monstrous, sexist and racist men for not only her and her fellow women, but for any group that has felt oppressed.
She has spent her life's work making sure she lives out the promises she made during her campaigns, and for politicians, that is almost unheard of.
But I believe she is truly one of a kind.
So my fellow women, my strong liberal females and my strong conservative friends as well, I urge you to read this book.
Not to try and persuade the opposing side (because I appreciate those who cannot be swayed just by a quick read).
But to inspire you to use your voice.
To fight for what you believe in.
To demand what you want.
Your voice deserves to be heard, no matter if you swing left or right, your opinion is valid.
You can change them or you can solidify them, you can make them whatever the hell you want.
Just make them your own.
After reading this book, I now know what the art of tough really means.
It means to take all of the criticism not with offense, but with gratitude, because it makes you stronger.
It means to have grit.
It means to dig deeper right before the moment of giving up.
It means to stand firm in the depths of oppression.
So ladies, be tough, be loud and for God's sake, Be Amazing.
