Proposal: The Lysistrata Movement
Proposal for formation of Lysistrata online movement
Clearly, NOW, NARAL and other organizations are unable to cope with the current environment. Just as clearly, there are large numbers of very angry women (and men) online, women angry about the assault on reproductive freedom, women’s health and women in general. Some very weird and scary things are going on right now, let’s be honest:
1. The various assaults on access to safe and healthy abortions, and specifically the ultrasound laws
2. The overturning of settled law and custom in regards to access to contraception, both for birth control and other medical reasons
3. The “controversy” over the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act (which, admittedly, is a bit more of a LBGT issue)
All of these things, and others, combine to form a very serious picture. Now, a lot of this is election year garbage, probably…but that’s as much “our” weapon as it is theirs. Remember, women make up a hell of a lot of the electorate. But that’s longer term thinking.
What is undeniably true is that the reaction on the part of our side has been less than effective. Apparently, there have been some Planned Parenthood sponsored rallies in Texas and (I think) Pennsylvania. I say “apparently” because I had to learn about them from a friend who follows PP on Facebook, not from the news media. Honestly, most of what I’ve seen has been people sharing links, etc. There doesn’t seem to be any cohesive network or calls to action that have garnered any attention outside their small groups.
So, what do I propose? I propose a “Women’s Spring,” much like the Arab Spring. I propose an online network/group called “Lysistrata” dedicated specifically to these issues. It should be used to trade news and links, though not exclusively to do so. It should also be a way for people to find out information about how they can be active at any level-addresses of legislators, organizing mass rallies, whatever. (I don’t have a lot of experience with this, so I don't have all the ideas or answers!) Bombard the media with the messages, so things don’t get lost in the fray. Organize a NATIONAL day of protests, instead of just a few here and there that most people don’t hear about.
Just as with the Arab Spring (or, for that matter, current protests in Russia), I propose the use of as much social media as we can. This shouldn’t just be a Facebook group, or a Twitter trend, or a Livejournal…it should be everything. And “membership” should be open to anyone who wants to take part. It’s important to remember that some people who don’t like abortion might also not like restriction of contraception, etc., etc. We have to recognize that the cause of Women’s freedom is a hell of a lot bigger than any single issue-or any single gender, as there are plenty of men who would take part as well.
Now, I have no idea how to organize this. Honestly, me and social media, we don’t see eye to eye a lot. But I’m just tired of both the assault on Women’s rights (which is an assault on HUMAN rights) and all the folks getting angry, but not actually DOING anything. Somehow, some way, it’s time to get off our duffs and find a way to make ourselves heard. We’re angry and, damnit, they’d better KNOW we’re angry…and what the consequences of ignoring that anger would be!
So, thoughts? If this makes sense, spread it. Full permission to repost anywhere and everywhere.
Clearly, NOW, NARAL and other organizations are unable to cope with the current environment. Just as clearly, there are large numbers of very angry women (and men) online, women angry about the assault on reproductive freedom, women’s health and women in general. Some very weird and scary things are going on right now, let’s be honest:
1. The various assaults on access to safe and healthy abortions, and specifically the ultrasound laws
2. The overturning of settled law and custom in regards to access to contraception, both for birth control and other medical reasons
3. The “controversy” over the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act (which, admittedly, is a bit more of a LBGT issue)
All of these things, and others, combine to form a very serious picture. Now, a lot of this is election year garbage, probably…but that’s as much “our” weapon as it is theirs. Remember, women make up a hell of a lot of the electorate. But that’s longer term thinking.
What is undeniably true is that the reaction on the part of our side has been less than effective. Apparently, there have been some Planned Parenthood sponsored rallies in Texas and (I think) Pennsylvania. I say “apparently” because I had to learn about them from a friend who follows PP on Facebook, not from the news media. Honestly, most of what I’ve seen has been people sharing links, etc. There doesn’t seem to be any cohesive network or calls to action that have garnered any attention outside their small groups.
So, what do I propose? I propose a “Women’s Spring,” much like the Arab Spring. I propose an online network/group called “Lysistrata” dedicated specifically to these issues. It should be used to trade news and links, though not exclusively to do so. It should also be a way for people to find out information about how they can be active at any level-addresses of legislators, organizing mass rallies, whatever. (I don’t have a lot of experience with this, so I don't have all the ideas or answers!) Bombard the media with the messages, so things don’t get lost in the fray. Organize a NATIONAL day of protests, instead of just a few here and there that most people don’t hear about.
Just as with the Arab Spring (or, for that matter, current protests in Russia), I propose the use of as much social media as we can. This shouldn’t just be a Facebook group, or a Twitter trend, or a Livejournal…it should be everything. And “membership” should be open to anyone who wants to take part. It’s important to remember that some people who don’t like abortion might also not like restriction of contraception, etc., etc. We have to recognize that the cause of Women’s freedom is a hell of a lot bigger than any single issue-or any single gender, as there are plenty of men who would take part as well.
Now, I have no idea how to organize this. Honestly, me and social media, we don’t see eye to eye a lot. But I’m just tired of both the assault on Women’s rights (which is an assault on HUMAN rights) and all the folks getting angry, but not actually DOING anything. Somehow, some way, it’s time to get off our duffs and find a way to make ourselves heard. We’re angry and, damnit, they’d better KNOW we’re angry…and what the consequences of ignoring that anger would be!
So, thoughts? If this makes sense, spread it. Full permission to repost anywhere and everywhere.