Commentary - No longer are women sitting on the sideline

News > Commentary - No longer are women sitting on the sideline

No longer are women sitting on the sideline

Posted 3/23/2012 Updated 3/23/2012

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Commentary by Cadet 2nd Class Joy Johnson
Cadet Squadron 05

3/23/2012 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- When I think about Women's History Month, the first three words that pop into my mind are perseverance, power and pure beauty. From the beginning of time, women have always played a dynamic role in shaping the world.

Native American women were builders, warriors, farmers and craftswomen who were just as equipped and skilled as the men. Women from all races filled more traditional roles as child bearers and taking care of household duties, which were just as important to shaping the future generations to come.

No matter what race or culture, all roles were essential to creating women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She was the daughter of a New York Supreme Court judge and studied the law and its discrimination toward women. Cady Stanton later married Henry Stanton, a lawyer and abolitionist, and insisted that the word "obey" be dropped from the wedding ceremony.

Her most memorable contribution was being one of the American leaders who organized the first demand for women's suffrage in 1848. It wasn't until almost a hundred years later when women's rights were finally granted in full after the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920.

Recently, I was just told by an older man that working mothers are the most depressed women in America. He explained that having equal rights only added on more responsibility to women because now women have the duties of home and work. I wanted to tell him that times have changed and because women are equal, so are the home duties.

Since the 1920s, women in America have taken a stand to rise into power. No longer did Rosa Parks give up her seat on public transportation because of the color of her skin. Poet Maya Angelo pursued her passion and wrote the most inspiring poem that created an anthem for all her female readers: "Phenomenal Woman, that's me."

Oprah Winfrey would have never imagined that her talk show would make her one of the richest women in the world. Hilary Clinton is most inspiring for not wanting to stay in the shadow of her very successful husband. Even though she did not win the presidential elections in 2008, she is well respected for her determination to break the norm and make a difference in this world to create a path for future generations of women.

On these women's shoulders is where I and others in my generation stand. The amazing part is that today's women are educated, personable and beautiful! Nothing is impossible. Today's women are mothers, sisters, aunts, doctors and innovators.

The opportunity I have been given here at the Academy has truly made me believe that nothing is impossible and the world is ours for the taking. In return, I would like to think of my shoulders as a stepping stool for the next generations to come.

A beautiful quote by Mahatma Gandhi states that you have to be the change you wish to see in the world. So with every decision I make pertaining to my future, I strive to break the norm like Hilary Clinton, inspire people like Maya Angelo, or refuse to give up any of my rights because the color of my skin like Rosa Parks. I know where I stand and it's on the shoulders of all the women full of perseverance, power and pure beauty!