Socialism and International Women’s Day
Summary:
In the article, author Marissa Taylor discusses the origins of the idea of International Women’s Day (IWD) two of which include the beginning in the United States and Europe. In 1909 the Socialist Party of America created National Women’s Day in order to demonstrate for better pay, the right to vote, and better working conditions. She continues to talk about the parallel ideas with the women in Europe. The next year in 1910, during the meeting of the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen Marxist activist, Clara Zetkin, from Germany’s Social Democratic Party proposed having instead of a local woman's day an international one. IWD, was first celebrated "in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19, 1911." And two years later in 1913 Russian women joined the cause, not only for their own well-being but also for the benefit of all Russian citizens. These alternate causes including peace in protest of the deaths of more than 2 million Russian soldiers in the war and they also demanded the end of czarism. Lot wasn't until 1977 that the U.N. officially marked IWD on March 8.
Analysis:
This article forces me to question a fundamental that most Americans are taught at a young age- socialism is the devil. I don't really think anyone has the right to declare whose system is right and wrong. But, this article attempts to show that IWD is actually deeply rooted in socialist countries. The women in these countries fought against their oppressive powers just like any American woman would. Many Americans would write this off by reading the title how could a day I celebrate be related to that (socialism). This article does a great job of portraying the origins of IWD.
Discussion Questions:
- Does it matter where International Women's Day originated?
- What are some things you would fight for on this day?
- Is IWD important?
Link to Article:
No comments:
Post a Comment