Women On The Rocks
NWHP 2008 Poster
Since I have three daughters, I’ve tried to make the whole month a fun time of learning about famous (and infamous) women and the events which have shaped the lives of women. The resources at the National Women’s History Project have been invaluable. They have a print catalog and an online store with incredible books, media, art, gifts and stuff you can’t find anywhere else.
In my search for anything going on in the blogosphere to mark not only Women’s History Month, but also International Women’s Day 2008, I was excited to come across a news tidbit on Blogging Sueblimely about an intriguing new project called wowOwow. The wowOwow site launches tomorrow — Saturday, March 8th — and I can’t wait to see what it’s all about! The founders of the site have asked for our answers to this thought-provoking question: “If you could choose any women in the world, living or dead, which four faces would you put on Mount Rushmore?”
After some thought on the four women who have inspired me the most, I sent in my answer. Though I have some International role models, I chose only American women simply because they’d need to be citizens to be on Mount Rushmore.
My Women on the Rocks
- 1) Eleanor Roosevelt — My personal hero. She endured losing both her parents as a child, illness and was painfully shy. She dealt with an overbearing mother-in-law, gave birth to six kids, and was the wife of an US President who had an affair. She was an incredibly strong woman, yet she brought immense comfort to so many.
- 2) Alice Paul — Her life and legacy taught me that one person can make a difference, and that sometimes “bad behavior” is necessary. She also taught me to fight for what I believe in and never give up.
- 3) Hilary Clinton –I liked her better than her husband from the get-go and love her for the fact that she gave me hope we might actually get to stop hearing that God-awful title “first lady” for awhile.
- 4) Madonna — When I was 13, I was first drawn to her “attitude” and the fact that she showed a very strong, sexual woman who called the shots when it came to men. Now I love her for showing me that women can stay strong and sexy no matter what age they are, and because she totally does her own thing, and stays true to herself. The ultimate “party girl” in my opinion. She knew how to have fun, without being stupid about it (ala Britney et al).
Who would you choose? I’d love to hear your answers!
Strange, but I’ve always had closer, more intimate relationships with women than men. And I mean “intimate” in a very non-sexual way. Anyway, my four choices for Mt. Rushmore would be:
1) Helen Keller - A remarkable woman who overcame astonishing obstacles. She became a wonderful writer and lecturer.
2) Annie Sullivan - The woman behind Helen Keller’s success. She never gave up on the potential she saw in Helen.
3) Sally Ride - Breaking through all the barriers to finally open up this last bastion of male dominance, Sally opened up the exploration of space to women.
4) Jacqueline Kennedy - This was a woman who, despite her celebrity, strove to be “normal” and to give her children a chance at normal lives. I think her whole marriage to Onassis was more a means to an end than anything else. It allowed her to ensure that her children were always provided for.
Hey Lee! LOVE your answers. Great choices and some of those names (particularly Helen Keller) were on my short list. Thank you for contributing!
1.Elizabeth Cady Stanton
2.Harriet Tubman
3.Georgia O’Keefe
4.and of course, Eleanor Roosevelt
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Thank you SF-G! Your list is great. I’m kicking myself for not including Harriet Tubman on mine, though to be fair to myself, my list was more of a “personal” list of women who have personally inspired me. The great E.R. was selected by many on the wowOwow site, but I was a bit sad to see that no one else but me chose Alice Paul.
Great choices, and great post Paula. I enjoyed reading it. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders~ I hope all is well~
Hug to you~ Ann
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Hi Paula! I think I might write a post on my long untouched WGM blog for this. It just takes so much time to maintain only 1..haha!
I like your choices! Ya know, I’d like Hillary SO much more if she had just divorced Slick Willie. I really don’t want him any where near the white house. In political life, a divorce like that would be suicide. Why does the president have to be married? I just wish there weren’t the stereotypical image of what a leader is supposed to be.
Which ever democrat wins the nomination will get my vote. McCain is the “War” candidate and there’s no way I can vote for him.
And yes…Madonna is sophisticated and smart. What is the freaking deal with Britney? In my opinion, it’s a serious drug problem. Have a great day PolliWolli!
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Women Rock,
I too was a big fan of Mandona. I Remember the first time I heard her sing, I was a fan for life.
Angela’s last blog post..Darby Estates Condos
I guess I’d have to add Mary, mother of Jesus, and my grandmother, also a group of women: those who have ever suffered and survived domestic violence and sexual abuse….. and Mrs.Gloria Gadd, my third grade teacher and a true advocate of children.
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