By: J Gordon
November 16, 2020
Role Models: Women paving the way to a more inclusive and more progressive future
Who do we look up to? A question I am often perplexed with. In this day and age it is difficult to know who to idolize. Especially, as we continue to be surrounded by some, put nicely, questionable world leaders. When looking to pop culture and the media for inspiration, I've found myself overwhelmingly disappointed. When it comes to social justice issues such as gender, race, body positivity, sexual orientation etc. the stance of our role models is important. However, we continuously see many people with great influence keeping quiet; at times even perpetuating a harmful stance. A recent example of this being the response - or lack there of - to the Black Lives Matter movement in springtime of this year. Thus, the recent activism displayed by Naomi Osaka during the US Open struck me with a sense of urgency. Urgency to write about and actively follow in, the footsteps of those whom I admire.
Naomi Osaka, the Japanese tennis champion made waves during the US Open tournament through her simple yet powerful demonstrations of anti-racism. Due to covid-19 the athletes competing in the US Open were required to wear masks; Osaka complied with an important message. Each day of the tournament she wore a different mask bearing the name of a victim of police brutality in the United States. Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tamir Rice and Elijah McClain to name a few. Notably, regardless of the fact that her purpose during tournament was to play tennis, Naomi made a point of showing her support for black lives. Emphasizing that racism does not cease to exist once she steps onto the court. Osaka's actions demonstrate that being anti-racist is a constant. Anti-racism is being actively against racism at all times. Additionally, it is utilizing your platform whomever you may be - activist, actress or athlete.
Accordingly, I want to use my platform to discuss some of the strongest leaders of 2020. These leaders being the women I look up to. They are not all activists per se. They are simply women daring to be disagreeable. Women who stand up for themselves and others. Women who are changing the world.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka is known primarily for her status as a Japanese Tennis Champion. However, recently she has been more widely recognized for her antiracist demonstrations at the US Open tournament. By the simple act of speaking up, Osaka effortlessly became one of my most admired role models this year. Albeit rather simple, there is so much power in the fact that her actions are easily replicated. Naomi Osaka is not necessarily an activist, an expert in race theory, or particularly involved in politics. This is key. No one needs to be to stand up against racism, police brutality and the murder of many black people in America. Naomi Osaka inspires as she conveys an important message: all people, of all backgrounds in all circumstances need to stand up against racism. She leads by example by promoting anti-racism and how important it is to speak up.
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is known for her advocacy on women's education rights in Pakistan. Her activism began at 12 years old. She is the youngest person ever to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Malala is one of the most inspiring young women of our time. She made her mark advocating for women and girls education despite the ban on girls going to school declared by the Taliban, a known Islamic terrorist group. Malala's father ran a school in their home town in Swat, Pakistan; which influenced Malala's family to actively stand up against the Taliban. In 2012 Malala was shot by the Taliban as a result of her activism and nearly lost her life. Instead of backing down her trauma only made her stronger. Her story is remarkable and her activism is admirable. She has an excellent autobiography, "I am Malala," where she tells her story in full. Her bravery and fight for justice as a 12 year old school girl is an inspiration for girls everywhere. Change can really start with one person, one girl.
Laverne Cox
Lavern Cox, actress, is most famous for her role on the popular Netflix show, Orange Is the New Black. However, perhaps less known is her determined advocacy for queer and trans rights. As a trans woman herself Laverne Cox has used her fame, platform and voice to help educate on and support queer lives. Cox's activism focuses on creating progressive and accessible conversations surrounding social injustice such as trans rights. Some of these conversations have been particularly monumental, for example her discussion on gender and queer rights with world renowned academic Bell Hooks at the New School. So monumental in fact, that in 2016 Cox was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the New School in New York for her progressive work in relation to queer rights. She has paved the way for many other aspiring young trans women and men to find their way. Laverne Cox inspires as she actively educates herself on social issues to better the world.
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg is one of the greatest voices of our time. Her mission is clear and unequivocal. She tirelessly educates and protests to encourage the world to recognize and act upon the dangerous state of our environment. At only 15 years old her activism began to gain traction via protesting at Swedish parliament, calling for more action regarding the climate crisis; as a result she creating the movement Fridays For Future. Thunberg gained support from many other young people around the world who joined her in protest. From that point onwards she became a voice for young people concerned with climate change. Her voice is so valuable in fact, that she was invited to attend the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019. What especially strikes me about Greta Thunberg is her level of directness when explaining the imminence of the climate crisis. Whether she's speaking to a member of parliament or somebody on the street, her message and means of delivery remains the same. She is extremely committed to her cause and willing to take risks to ensure her consistency. For example, taking a boat to North America from Europe to avoid flying and it's toll on the environment. Nominated for two Nobel Peace Prizes and on the Forbes most powerful women list (2019), Greta Thunberg is someone I believe we can all learn from and look up to.
Jameela Jamil
Jamela Jamil, actress, is the founder of Iweigh, a "safe and radically inclusive space," to promote feminism and social justice. Using social media platforms like instagram and youtube, Jamela Jamil employs her voice and reach to promote feminism in the mainstream. Though deemed radical, I personally think her mission is just radically simple. Jamil advocates the "radical," idea that all people should be treated equally. The idea that society should support everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, ability etc. What I find most admirable about Jamela Jamil is that she uses her platform to raise up voices that are often ignored or diminished. She creates a space for discussions that are perhaps taboo or misunderstood, further using her platform to educate. For example, one of her interviews includes a discussion on the trans experience with a gender affirming plastic surgeon in which they discuss and debunk the many myths and questions that come alongside the trans experience. Jamela Jamil is an incredibly important current voice and role model as she fearlessly tackles topics that are taboo in pursuit of a better and more inclusive world.
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