Category: RBG

Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female Justice, with nominator President Ronald Reagan in 1981 (far left). The four women who have served on the Court. From left to right: Justices Sandra Day O’Connor (ret.), Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Elena Kagan.

RBG

Film Review by Marlene Ardoin

I was more than energized by the documentary, “RBG.” So far, four women judges have made it to the United States Supreme Court. When Justice Sandra Day O’Connor retired in 2006, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the only woman on the court.

If it were up to Ginsburg, there would be nine female Supreme Court Justices. There would be no discrimination based on sex, race or age. Women would have control of their own bodies. Same sex couples would be able to legally marry. There would be no death penalty, no sexual harassment, no unconscious bias and no age discrimination. There would be gender equality, rights for workers and the separation of church and state.

We almost take these things for granted now, but before RBG, these rights, were not at all in place.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a very determined Supreme Court Justice, who has more than earned her place on the Court.

Born in the midst of the Great Depression, now 85 years old, Ginsburg has endured many hardships as no big deal.

Her 56 year marriage to Martin Ginsburg began with her caring for her newborn daughter, her ill husband and getting both her husband and herself through law school. She not only attended her own classes, but his (bringing him the notes).

These early events established her as the alpha matriarch in their marriage.

Once through law school, her husband had no trouble finding a law firm, but at that time, no one would hire a woman, so Ginsburg was forced to turn to academia.

In Ginsburg’s upbringing, her mother, Celia, worked to help put her own brother through college, but was denied that privilege herself. Ginsburg’s mother put a lot of effort into getting Ruth an education, but then dies of cancer the day before Ruth’s high school graduation. Self-sacrifice seems to be in her blood.

After having fought for gender equality, Ginsburg now seems to be faced with ageism. She may be eighty-five years old, but as long as she can be fully effective on the court, she is not backing down from her duties.

“RBG” celebrates her accomplishments, just in case we forget to be forever grateful.