So many of our expectations for ourselves have been based on what society or our parents expected of us. Seldom have people asked themselves what they truly want, because the need to conform and to comply has been instilled in most of us from early on in our lives. For generations past, men were taught that they should acquire a wife, along with a degree, a prominent position in society, and a home. Women were taught that they should find a husband and provide their parents with grandchildren. If we were married and had a spouse, we were generally accepted into the folds of society. Our place in the community, if we were men, was based on our ability to acquire and to achieve. If we were women, we were expected first to serve our husband by performing wifely duties and only then, and only if it did not interfere with our primary duty, we could pursue our own career. Thankfully, times have changed. The stigma of marital status; however, remains with us. We have had but one president – James Buchanan in 1856 – who did not bring a wife with him to the White House. In his case, the role of First Lady was filled by his niece.
The times are changing still and they always will; usually progressing in baby steps, but sometimes in milestones. The election of Barack Obama was a more recent milestone. With Kamala Harris as our new vice president, we have taken yet another giant step; and we now have a Second Gentlemen instead of a Second Lady in the White House. Perhaps one day, in the near future, we will see an indigenous American hold the highest office in our nation. A new generation of women are becoming inspired and motivated to ask their own hearts to guide them, rather than an outdated social construct.
In 1969, the musical group, The 5th Dimension, recorded their song, Aquarius. Many believed at that time, that we had reached the dawning of a new era. According to some astrologists, the planets are moving from the age of Pisces into the age of Aquarius. There has been disagreement as to when the new age will actually begin, and controversy as to the changes that it will bring about. One thing I think we can all agree on, is that 2020 was a year of great change, of great loss (of lives, due to COVID) and of great achievement (the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris). Mine was a generation who believed in the power of love and of peace. In their song, The 5th Dimension suggests that the Age of Aquarius will usher in “Harmony and understanding, sympathy and trust abounding.” While none of us knows for sure what the future may bring, their lyrics implore us to, “Open up our hearts” and “Let the sunshine in.” We can set aside the outdated ideas of “acquiring” and set our sights instead, on achieving equality, freedom, and well-being for all.
