By Katie Fiannaca, Inclusive Childhood education, ’24
This clip is from the movie On the Basis of Sex. The movie is about Ruth Ginsburg’s life, specifically the hardships she faced as a woman when trying to become a lawyer. She was one of the only females to go through law school, and was looked at differently by her professors. She attended both Harvard and Columbia University and was at the top of her class at both schools. Though Ginsburg was extremely intelligent and qualified, because she was a woman she was always overlooked by job positions and had to first become a professor as she was seen as weak, and unfitting to be a lawyer. Her husband however, easily found a job in the law field. It was not until she took a case to the Supreme court that then changes started to be made. The case dealt with a man who was treated unlawfully with taxes as he was a stay at home, single man who took care of his mother. Since he was a man taking care of his mother, he did not receive the same benefits a woman would, and Ginsburg found this unlawful so she took it to court and ended up winning.
Being a female played a huge role in Ginsburg’s life. She knew she had to work twice as hard as a male to receive any sort of law career. Her extensive credentials were not enough. Because Ginsburg was a woman, she was viewed as someone who should stay at home, cook dinner, clean the house, and raise the children. If she were to pursue a career, it should be more “femine” such as a teacher or nurse. Back then, lawyers were always men and the job was never even considered for women because of the strength, leadership, wisdom, and knowledge that came with the job. This is a huge issue in society because as an American citizen, we have a right to follow the career we want, no matter what your gender is. With Ginsburg’s looks and beauty, she was not taken seriously. This is a stereotype as not all women belong at home, and all women deserve a chance at working the same jobs as men. Clearly, she beat the odds as she became the second female to serve in the Supreme Court, despite all the circumstances she went through and struggles she faced to get there.
This again shows a huge issue in society as women are continuously looked at as the weaker gender. Males tend to be the dominant gender and are looked at more commonly as a leader, specifically as the alpha. In 2020, this should theoretically no longer exist, and though it is much better now than it was years ago, unfortunately pictures are still illustrated of what your average female should look like and act. Women are supposed to be dainty and timid. Typically men’s opinions are taken more seriously, while women are told to be listeners. Both genders deserve to have a voice, and each should share an equal role in everything that our society consists of. Ruth Ginsburg’s story is a great reminder of female empowerment and she will forever be looked at as a leader as she advocated for women’s rights her entire life. Had she along with others not, who knows what life would be like for current society.