Your Opinion Matters!
Activism: A Necessary Tool for Transforming our Society
by Jackie Arsenuk

About two years ago, I worked in the Human Resources department of a company which remains the largest in its industry. My job entailed not only staffing two shifts, but continuously looking for alternate entryways into the "hub" (more appropriately defined as the zoo), where I could proceed to my office without having to subject myself to the antics and callings of the animals in the cages (otherwise known as the feeder trucks). After several attempts to address the issue with male-agement, sorry, management, I decided it was time to address the issue at a higher level, and spoke with the workforce-planning manager.

As I stood in his office, I heard what sounded like a wolf-whistle coming from just outside the door. My knowledge of the "no pets allowed" policy in the building led me to believe that this was not the antics of Puddy, my parrot. Surprisingly, the whistle was courtesy of a driver, heading home from a long and hard day's work—apparently not hard enough, for he had within him the energy to create such an insulting sound.

In an attempt to make light of the situation, my manager covered his ears, shook his head, and apologized for the occurrence. In so many words (which thanks to the driver, turned out to be less than necessary), I expressed my disgust with the treatment against not only myself, but women in general at the hub. Along with the gestures, leering, and sexist noises that emanated from the cages, I was dealing with district level managers, who felt more than comfortable calling me the "devil in the red dress" and informing me that daily meetings took a turn for the worse due to the lack of scenery which resulted from my exiting. In addition, refusing an offer to visit the office of one of the maintenance workers led to my punishment: two flat tires.

After I explained my situation, the manager undermined my argument, questioning what I would do if I happened to be walking down the street and some one harassed or made a gesture towards me. I replied that unfortunately, I did not have much control over society outside the workplace, but that I would smile nicely and give an appropriate reciprocal gesture. I then pointed out that there were no streets to be found in the hub, and the company, under federal law, is legally responsible to protect its workers from such a hostile work environment.

With all four tires intact, I drove home that night feeling very unsatisfied with my response that "I did not have much control over society outside the workplace." It was at that point that I decided that I would no longer live my life in silence and that I would publicize my opinions in an attempt to transform society into a healthy environment for women to work and live. In other words, I decided to become a women's activist.

Activism is both necessary and crucial in transforming our society. Not only does it serve as a tool for change, it serves to educate others of the issues affecting them in their daily lives. Many problems, such as sexism, racism, and classism, become mainstream in our society, leading to desensitization. These problems also create feelings of anger, helplessness and hopelessness in the victims. Venting and complaining can be a healthy form of expression, but will not make the necessary strides in society. Publicly voicing your opinion and actively making a difference is both healthy and rewarding, not to mention that you will invariably find others with similar views that will support you. Take advantage of free speech in a positive way. Utilize free speech as a means of putting an end to those who wish to abuse it, those who attempt to utilize speech as a means to exploit, degrade, and humiliate others.

Make a Difference!
There are numerous ways in which people can make a difference. Writing letters can be one of the easiest forms of activism, but if you find you rarely have time to take a breath, there are easier routes to take such as making phone calls, which can be just as effective. Organizations such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) often have websites where you can choose from various topics of activism and may electronically sign your name to an extremely professional, pre-generated, activist letter voicing concerns on your topic of choice. This letter, based on the zip code you enter, is automatically sent to local senators in the area. You may also opt to send a letter to the local or national media or use helpful online guides for finding elected officials.

According to Sarah Ciriello, whose article "Commodification of Women: Morning, Noon, and Night," can be found in a book titled Transforming a Rape Culture, (edited by Butchwald, Fletcher, and Roth), sexist ads which have been pulled or revised due to letter-writing campaigns include those for Bain de Soleil suntan lotion, Dep shampoo, Caboodles makeup kit, and Reebok Shoes for women. Activist phone calls have resulted in the pulling of the ad labeled "Hit her with a Rock," a promotional ad for Melart Jewelers in Silver Spring, Maryland. Boycotts, which may consume more of your time, may be worth it in the long run. With support of local organizations endorsing your boycott, you may be able to get your point across with the simple threat of one.

I would like to give my warmest thanks to my former employer for giving me insight into issues of inequality that need to be addressed in society along with the ambition and motivation to actively strive for the rights of women everywhere.