If you haven’t heard about the rapidly approaching Women’s Marches, which have been planned all across the United States, then you clearly haven’t been on the internet lately. The main march, which will take place in Washington, DC, is scheduled for January 21st, 2017—the day immediately following the inauguration of the newly elected President, Donald Trump. This grassroots movement has become a powerful entity in its own right, spreading not only across the US in a matter of weeks, but also across the world.
The march follows speculation—okay, maybe not quite speculation as recent events have proven—that the new administration isn’t exactly taking women’s rights into account. A message posted across the event’s official website reads, “The Women’s March on Washington will send a bold message to our new government on their first day in office, and to the world that women’s rights are human rights.” This message comes in reaction to many events that have been unfolding as of late, such as the defunding of Planned Parenthood and the attacks on the Affordable Care Act, both of which help to provide affordable birth control and other reproductive services to women across the country. Without these programs, many women would not have had access to these simple, yet important services.
Many of the principles they are looking to influence include ending violence against the female body—including domestic and sexual abuse—and correcting the racial and gender inequalities that have been posed in the criminal justice system for such acts. Another of their ‘Unity Principles’ includes reproductive rights, stating that women should have open access to safe, legal, and affordable abortion and birth control without interference from the federal and/or state governments. Other sections of their Unity Principles include Worker’s Rights, LGBTQIA Rights, Civil Rights, Disability Rights, Immigrant Rights, and Environmental Justice. Although the title of the movement is the “Women’s March,” they are exceptionally clear that they are looking out for the rights of everyone—covering the bases of all basic human rights.
Men and women of all ages are rushing to join this important cause—signing up to attend their local march. Some are even headed off to the main march itself, heading into Washington, DC for the big day. It is suspected that this march will include over a million women across the world, with over 200,000 attending the DC march. Over 200 organizations have pledged support to the cause, with just as many celebrities following suit. Many, such as Cher, Katy Perry, and Amy Schumer, have already announced their attendance and more, I’m sure, will appear on the day.
It is stated that this march is leading up to make history as the largest inauguration-correlated demonstration in American History. However, it is not the first. In 1913 the Women’s Suffrage Parade marched on Pennsylvania Avenue in response to the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson. The march, which took place the day prior to his inauguration, contained an impressive (remember the timeframe) 5,000-8,000 participants and has been cited as a major influence in the victorious movement for women’s voting rights. Oddly enough, it is said that this march will be making an appearance on the back of the new $10 bill, which is set to release in 2020.
So how does all this relate to the tattoo community?
A large portion of the tattoo community equates to women. In fact, in a poll conducted back in 2012, approximately 59% of those sporting tattoos were women versus a 41% ratio of men. As a community that thrives on unity, which supports one another and their choices, the Women’s March is yet another opportunity for this unique subculture to bond together and fight for what is right.
And it is yet another occasion to show the world that the tattooed community isn’t just rebels, hooligans, and degenerates. Despite the misconception that many people, including many politicians, still hold about the tattoo community—tattooed individuals are just as concerned about fighting for what is right as people who are not inked. We care, as a community and as individuals. A large portion of the women marching in these events are heavily tattooed with an even larger number bearing one or two small pieces of body art. I myself know many women who have scheduled their attendance that wear a sizeable amount of ink upon their skin. Regardless of our appearances, tattooed or not, women are still women and are, in the end, still human.
And human rights matter.
In a community which is primarily dominated by women, this march is important to us all. The tattooed community should stay in the loop and be supportive. This is an event that affects us all.
And, let’s face it; I’m sure there will be quite a large number of tattoos commemorating this historic event making their appearance over the next several months.
To find out more information about your closest march or about the event in general, you can visit their official website at https://www.womensmarch.com/.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this editorial do not necessarily reflect the views of Tattoo.com
