Throughout history, as I recall the things I’ve learned during my life, discrimination has been prevalent in many human societies. Heck, some religious groups and ethnicities have been wiped clean from this earth. Why? Mainly because they were different.
So, to combat this, people bring awareness, amongst other efforts, to those who might be able to change those circumstances. Sometimes, they unveil their plight to a group who might be sympathetic.
I Bring this up for this reason; although women’s status in American society has made great strides, the Nevillle Public Museum, which resides in downtown Green Bay, has highlighted that struggle. This new exhibit is known as ‘Her Story’, and it runs until November 6th.
I guess this exhibition exists for more than one reason. Not only does it bring awareness, it also honors those who plowed through the currents of social norms. Those that did often came up short, as I learned today. Women’s fight for equality was an effort of perseverance, and the fight, even if much has been overcome, still remains in this era.
Along with much about the constitutional and legal battles, you’ ll learn about woman who donned military uniforms.
Conversely, you’ll also learn about the stereotypical roles, the ones women were expected to fill, for yesteryear’s workforce.
One will also gain appreciation of the constant battle, as the feminist movement took firm hold in the early 20th century, and snowballed with more progress during the civil rights movement.
However, most of what I’ve mentioned, at least up ’til now, took place on the national stage. And this exhibit had a little more than that. It also pointed out the missteps of our local government, particularly in the early twentieth century. Some were flagrantly insensitive and ignorant. And women’s suffrage was as much a local pursuit as it was national.
But the best part of the exhibit, if I’m to have my own take, were celebrations of successful women in the area. From early newspaper columnists to hockey coaches, you could find clothing
and pictures representing these women.
While driving home, I ruminated a bit. Women’s civil liberties, and the battle for such rights, was an inconsistent fight. With progress and setbacks. I think of the factory working women during WWII, and then the relegated secretary of the fifties. I’m not saying clerical workers didn’t suit purposes, nor were they cause for shame, but the job market certainly was not wide open for females of that era.
And now, as it seems woman are really striving in all facets of society, I’ve learned about unfair wage practices that certain companies employ.
Even if that exists, I think a bit of appreciation is due to the women featured at the museum. They have paved the way for the young women of the new generation.
Safe Travels!
Chris Writing Anything 