On Friday October 28th, Amazon released its newest series, "Good Girls Revolt." The storyline follows a group of determined female researchers, working in a newsroom overwhelmed with male dominance. Realizing that they will never get the credit they deserve, much less a byline, these women form a united front, working quietly to file a formal complaint against their male authorities. Season One is filled with discovery, romance, and girl power.
I need Season Two. Preferably tomorrow.
The last time I binge-watched a series was when "Gilmore Girls" came out on Netflix. I don't have the time, nor the interest. But from the first trailer I saw for "Good Girls Revolt," I anxiously awaited the premiere. And I was so right -- this show is gold. The early 1970s, flower power, the Feminist Movement, Civil Rights, and the buzz of a newsroom? Holy cow, what a thrill. I wanted to jump right in and fight with them. I wanted to fall asleep on my typewriter. I also wanted to warn my new coworker about the dangers of alcoholism, but that's an unfortunate truth of the era. I wanted to join Patty and wear a pantsuit to the office *gasp* while people whispered at my nerve. I wanted to show the guys that they were missing out by harnessing women to a researcher's desk and calling it fair.
To say I flew through the first 10 episodes is an understatement. I found myself cringing for Jane in the wee hours of the morning as she politely obeyed, and applauded Cindy for her unexpected courage. I wanted to hang out with Nora, and hope to someday have the guts to stick it to the man like she does. I found myself appreciating "Good Girls Revolt" not only for its historical truth, but for the empowerment that it still encourages women with today. The truth that just because someone tells you no doesn't make it so.
"Good Girls Revolt" may be set in a time more drastic than our own, but that does not mean that women have been freed from all forms of discrimination. Yes, the United States has a female running for president (by the time this article is published, Hillary may actually have the title), and no matter where you stand on the political spectrum the fact that we've come so far is pretty cool. But look around, past the women on your T.V. screens. Look at workplaces that still degrade female employees. Recognize the Glass Ceiling as reality and not a myth. Remember that there are still improvements to be made, and those improvements begin with women recognizing what they're able to do -- what they're worth.
While you're on this search for female empowerment, look past your own nation. Look at countries who literally shackle their women when they do not fully please the man who owns them. Look at women who are illiterate, not given the opportunity for education because they're not deemed worthy. Understand that yes, the United States has work to do, but as a country we need to take our own victories and use them to empower women who need our help elsewhere. Who need education. Who need understanding. Who need support, and people willing to act on it.
We have become complacent because we've hit some really cool milestones on this side of the world, when in all reality, our fire should not be dying down. Now that women in the United States have the rights and liberties that they do, they should be using them to help the women that do not yet have such luxuries. "Good Girls Revolt" provides an example of a united front -- who's to say that has to stay in the United States? Food for thought.
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