Women’s History Month. Women’s Power, Legacy & Resistance in an Age of Erasure

Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs asserts that the system of American patriarchy was not an accident but a deliberate design by the founding fathers. They aimed to create a 'republic of men,' enshrining power in the hands of men like themselves and explicitly excluding women, enslaved people, immigrants, and indigenous communities from political participation and recognition. This foundational design continues to impact society, leading to a constant 'tug-of-war' between those who protect the original social order and those striving for true democracy.

Dr. Tubbs states, 'They wanted to build a republic of men… they establish the system of the United States and write the Constitution where they enshrine power in the hands of men like them. And this is very intentional.' She references historical letters where founding fathers explicitly stated their intent. (36:07)

US women athletes have consistently outperformed their male counterparts in both Winter and Summer Olympics for multiple consecutive games, winning more gold and overall medals. Despite this consistent success, their achievements are often not celebrated commensurately, and their victories are sometimes mocked or used as political tools, rather than being highlighted as significant national accomplishments.

The hosts note, 'US women athletes won more gold medals and more medals overall than US men with the final tally of six gold medals and 17 medals overall... this is the third consecutive winter games where women athletes have come out on top. The same is true for summer Olympics in which US women's have won more gold and more medals than US men for the past four consecutive summer games.' (18:13)

Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities, including athletics, was instrumental in creating resources and infrastructure for women's sports. Tennis icon Billie Jean King emphasizes that protecting this legislation and its original intent is vital for ensuring future opportunities for women and girls, as these mechanisms are crucial for their advancement.

The hosts quote Billie Jean King: 'These opportunities are the future are why it is important we continue to protect legislation and the intent behind Title 9 for all.' (20:50)

The narrative of 'protecting women' in sports, particularly in discussions around trans athletes, is framed as a tactic to regress women's rights. By portraying cisgender female athletes as 'not strong enough' or 'fragile,' this rhetoric aims to justify restrictions on trans athletes, with the ultimate goal of re-establishing the idea that women need protection and should not participate in physically demanding activities, thereby rolling back decades of progress.

Dr. Tubbs explains, 'One of the reasons that trans athletes are being attacked so much is because they make it very clear that this notion of American patriarchy and this notion of this gender binary is all made up... One of the first steps in removing the right for women to play sports is to first make it clear for the public and make us all agree that women aren't strong enough to compete, that women need to be protected, that women are fragile.' (43:15)

Patriarchy not only harms women but also limits men by enforcing restrictive notions of masculinity. It discourages men from showing vulnerable emotions, being compassionate, or fully expressing their identities. Recognizing this shared impact can shift the conversation from a 'man versus woman' dynamic to a collective effort for universal freedom and fairness.

Dr. Tubbs states, 'Patriarchy is hurting them as well. Um when we continue to replicate these notions that men don't take women seriously, that men themselves are supposed to be um unable to show vulnerable emotions, that they don't get to be, you know, protected or they don't get to be kind or they don't get to be um compassionate individuals. Like all of that also limits their identities and their ability to show up fully in the world.' (47:19)

In a climate where mainstream media may censor or ignore works by women, particularly women of color, the black press and independent platforms become critical for amplifying marginalized voices. Dr. Tubbs's experience with her second book, 'Erased,' demonstrated that despite being a New York Times bestselling author, mainstream outlets avoided reviewing it, but black press and independent podcasts ensured its success.

Dr. Tubbs recounts, 'I was a returning New York Times bestselling author with this book... it's really unheard of that the New York Times wouldn't review my book... But I also know and I have always loved and appreciated black press... they are the reason it was Reissi Colbear, Clay Kaine, um Ban and Rachel on higher learning um who gave my book enough attention that it still was able to become an instant New York Times bestseller.' (51:13)