Inauguration: 1. to make a formal beginning of; initiate; commence; begin; 2. To introduce into public use by some formal ceremony; install.
I watched with millions of Americans, as well as, brothers and sisters from around the world, as our 46th President of the United States was sworn into office this morning. I’m as hopeful as anyone about Joe Biden’s win, and what feels like saving our democracy from sure obliteration, had the outgoing administration been allowed to continue. But I’m even more hopeful for a reason which didn’t quite hit me until today.
America elected its first female Vice President.
Kamala Devi Harris.
She’s not someone who was elected because she’s pretty, or likeable, or relatable or even scandal free! She was elected because she is a woman of substance. Smart. Accomplished. Powerful. Commanding. Brave. Strategic. Fierce. She’s not a VP who will sit and wait in the background, in case she’s needed. NO. She was elected by the American people as much as Biden was, because our country has some serious work to do, and Kamala Harris knows how to get shit done. In fact, most women know how to get shit done, (dare I say, better than most men). And, we’re about to see what that looks like on the most grand scale, thus far.
I remember when I was a junior in high school and heard about the first woman vice-presidential nominee, representing a major American political party. I can probably only remember a few VPs by name in my lifetime, but I’ll never forget the name, Geraldine Ferraro. I didn’t know what platform she & Mondale were running on, nor did I care. My seventeen-year-old self just thought it was so amazing and cool that a girl might possibly reach such a lofty position in our society. As a child, I occasionally dreamed of being a singer or a writer. Because I had been raised in a home shrouded in sexism and patriarchy, once I started to move closer to adulthood, I thought the most important thing I could be was pretty and chaste, and my goal was to marry a good provider, who was handsome, kind and spiritual (if I was lucky) – and to be a loving and dutiful wife and mother. That’s it. The women I knew that worked did so because their husbands didn’t earn enough, not because they wanted to. College and career ambitions, solely for personal power and a thirst for knowledge and creativity, were only for the female outliers.
But Geraldine caused me to pay attention. And I’m grateful.
That was thirty-six years ago. And I’ve been paying a lot more attention. A lot has changed since then – in our world and in my life. Our country has gone through some serious ups and downs. I’ve experienced some exhilarating highs and devastating lows. And though the only constant is change, and everything is a work in progress, I know I’ve reached a pinnacle of growth and unlearning all those limiting beliefs. It feels like a brand new beginning; an initiation of sorts, an installation. My personal tipping point.
I won’t be having a formal ceremony, but I’m gonna take this day to celebrate, not only our nation’s new direction – but my own. Happy Inauguration Day, indeed!
Bikini Soul 