Why Barbara Boxer's Memoir Is A Must-Read | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Why Barbara Boxer's Memoir Is A Must-Read

Yes, even for my conservative friends

84
Why Barbara Boxer's Memoir Is A Must-Read
Women's Media Center

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

194784
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17600
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459949
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27811
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments