Women have been a part of history since the beginning of humankind. Women's History Month was developed to acknowledge women's roles and contributions in the historical narrative. Historiography and social studies for a long time have ignored women in their academic examinations. Women's History Month is observed in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The observance can be traced back to International Women's Day. This was first observed in 1911. International Women's Day was more of a socialist event celebrating women's involvement in revolutionary and leftist movements.It was more so to celebrate women's advancement in the public sphere. This was mostly observed in European countries and some leftist circles in the Russian Empire.However, there is an obvious problem that emerges that few are willing to discuss. While it is fact that women have been a part of history a particular type of woman is focused on during this observance. Third Wave Feminists and mostly white middle class women try to take over the entire narrative of women's history. Women from other ethnic groups are once again regulated to a marginalized sector. The agenda is in reality a promotion of white women's history month.
The agenda is clear when one examines who is promoted as a "hero" The flawed concept of the great man or in this case, great woman theory poses problems to the study of history. This becomes a form of hero worship that ignores critical analysis of individuals. One example is the how Gloria Steinem has gradually emerged as a "crusader" for social justice.The media has molded her into a sole feminist authority, but ignores her less favorable actions. She claims to believe in gender equality and equality for other groups of people, but her actions do not demonstrate this. She criticized black feminists for not challenging black men. Steinem here does not seem to care that black men were subject to the worst violence and for black women racial solidarity is pivotal. Racism was not her concern, because the society favored her. The only limitation was her sex. Steinem used to be very judgmental toward transgender people. This was either out of ignorance or pure prejudice. Despite these negative attitudes, her reputation remains untarnished.
The agenda is clear when one examines who is promoted as a "hero" The flawed concept of the great man or in this case, great woman theory poses problems to the study of history. This becomes a form of hero worship that ignores critical analysis of individuals. One example is the how Gloria Steinem has gradually emerged as a "crusader" for social justice.The media has molded her into a sole feminist authority, but ignores her less favorable actions. She claims to believe in gender equality and equality for other groups of people, but her actions do not demonstrate this. She criticized black feminists for not challenging black men. Steinem here does not seem to care that black men were subject to the worst violence and for black women racial solidarity is pivotal. Racism was not her concern, because the society favored her. The only limitation was her sex. Steinem used to be very judgmental toward transgender people. This was either out of ignorance or pure prejudice. Despite these negative attitudes, her reputation remains untarnished.
Gloria Steinem has allegedly worked for the CIA. This involved her spying on leftist groups. If true, she is not the type of person to admire.
The official history, although fabricated has been written for her. This pattern of hero worship continues and holds much political value. The messages conveyed is the same one. Whites are to thank for the advancement of not only the United States, but the world. This racist myth continues to propagate even in an atmosphere of abundant knowledge. How this relates to Women's History Month is it presents the idea that white women were responsible for the improved conditions of women in this country and the world.
The lugubrious part of the situation is that certain historical figures are overshadowed. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony are represented more in the historical consciousness in regards to women's history. Other individuals or scholars more familiar with women's history will mention Mary Wollstonecraft or Simone de Beauvoir. The white and western historical figures have more visibility that the non-white figures in academic studies. Rarely, during Women's History Month do you hear of figures such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Patsy T. Mink, Ella Baker, or Fannie Lou Hamer. These women were real warriors in the cause for freedom. Yet, even in death their memory is marginalized compared to their white counter parts. It is critical that other ethnic groups preserve and write their own history. Otherwise, these great figures will be phased out from the historical discourse.
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