Misogyny wins big at ballot box

“Your body, my choice.” Four words now seem to bear the weight of millions of women. Women who have been stripped of their rights must now reinforce women who conform to societal standards in spite of their desire to break the mold. 

This column is no stranger to bringing awareness to women’s rights in the wake of new controversy, but these four words hit harder than ever. In a country where the lives of women are already at stake, the results of the 2024 presidential election are devastating, as the country will soon be run by those who don’t believe in women having the right to choose.

“Your body, my choice” was a quote posted by right-wing internet troll, Nicholas J. Fuentes on social media platform X, as a rebuttal to the feminist phrase “my body, my choice.” Since these four words were posted in early November, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue published a report which found a 4,000% increase in online references to degrading phrases, including "Get back to the kitchen" and "Repeal the 19th," the constitutional amendment that gave women the right to vote. 

Fuentes didn’t end there, though, continuing on to say, “hey, b*tch, we control your bodies! Guess what, guys win again,” alongside other derogatory toxicity. While he later posted a video saying it was merely a joke, his words remain a testament to the rampant misogyny in this country, especially following Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the election. 

I remember being around 10 -years-old and telling my dad that I wanted to play football after I learned that teams only consisted of boys. This statement was laughed off, but even as a child I knew that women were so much more than the roles in which they’ve been confined. Looking at the state of our country today, I wonder what the young, optimistic girl would be thinking. 

While I may never know the answer to that, I do know that I am absolutely disappointed by this country’s behavior and choices. How can people be so proud to be anti-women? Why are rape threats, derogatory phrases, and jokes about female oppression so common? Before making insensitive remarks, perhaps take time to think that a reality such as that of Margaret Atwood’s, The Handmaid’s Tale, is not as far off as it once was. 

Despite wanting to believe otherwise, West is not immune to this epidemic of anti-feminist hate. Comments about women’s bodies and casual sexual remarks are not uncommon to hear in the halls of our school.

In light of such disgusting behavior, let this serve as a reminder: women are not objects, they are not pawns for your pleasure, and they most certainly are not to be underestimated.

by Emma Toney

Published December 2nd, 2024

Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue III