This Wednesday belongs to the women of the world!

So here we are at March 8th, which of course means the annual celebration of all things female, and given that we here at AmorChem are led by two women, well, I didn't have much choice but to acknowledge the significance of this day. No, my job does not depend on it - I hope! :) 

You know, I am all for the recognition that any gender or minority receives for their contribution to the world, but I can't help but feel that some of it is becoming rather old-fashioned in feel, or may even be outdated in today's world. Yes, I can hear the screaming hordes of abuse coming my way for that suggestion, and okay, I would have to try being a woman for a day (a month, a year?) to truly get it, I guess. But still. 

It just doesn't seem to me in the western world at least, that women are not recognised for their hugely significant place in the world, whether that world is one of being a wife and mother, or working at a place of business, or both. There is no doubt that historically, things were on a much less level playing field than they are today, but do we still actually need to somehow imply that women are so distinct from men, even in 2017?

I imagine that the answer is a resounding "yes" even in spite of women being more prevalent in previously male-only bastions such as the military, the police force or even high-level politics. But for every almost-the-first-female-POTUS-in history, there are presumably millions of others who don't feel they get a fair shake of the tree, just like the outgoing first-black-POTUS-in history did not necessarily change the perception of life as a young black adult in the USA. 

But I am not a fan of the "prize for everyone" philosophy that seems to be rampant in schools today, even in sports competitions, nor am I a fan of rich, famous celebrities being further pampered for their work at huge awards galas, and especially not if they show tantrums at not having won. Don't even mention Kanye West in that regard! Not everyone deserves or needs a prize, and not everyone has to feel they won even if they lose. 

I actually kind of admired the gutsy move by our very own first lady, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, who chose to take an alternative stance on the day by drawing attention to the men and boys in (her) life and co-celebrating them. 

"This week, as we mark International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the boys and men in our lives who encourage us to be who we truly are, who treat girls & women with respect, and who aren’t afraid to speak up in front of others."

She also encouraged women to take a picture holding the hand of a "male ally" and post it using the hashtag "TomorrowInHand". Rather remarkably,  but totally predictably, this approach drew both appreciation as well as howls of horror from those who chose to see the move as somehow anti-feministic. Comments ranged from "I've never had to have my hand held!"to "Celebrating Women's day by celebrating men?" to "Allies are important but they don't get to be part of our day!", and so on. 

I mean, really? No, I mean, reallyyyyy? Honestly, this type of thing just makes one want to leave social media forever, because the whole shaming-by-social-media thing is completely out of control, even when it comes to someone who clearly has nothing sinister up her sleeve and nothing but the best of intentions. People with simply too much time on their hands choose to troll on social media rather than trying to actually contribute something useful to society, and by so doing often distort the original purpose and meaning to a positive post. 

In some ways, in part because of stupid social media shenanigans such as those outlined (very briefly) above, a negativity begins to permeate what are supposed to be societally positive initiatives. Ms. Trudeau was simply illustrating a point that reflects my overriding feeling on this, which is that it takes two, or all of us, to make the world go round. She has her own version of success in this life, but sees it as an inclusive success, not an exclusive one, and wants to celebrate those who contribute(d) to it. What the hell is so wrong with that?

Maybe the best way around the problem is to cancel the day altogether, or, we have to introduce an International Men's Day! This would be a great idea, if someone else hadn't thought of it first; apparently there is one, and it's on November 19th this year. I had no idea it even existed, which perhaps says a lot. I know I don't feel any need whatsoever for an international day recognising my gender, but that may be because I am a man, right?  Wrong!

I believe in men and women, period. It's how we all ended up here, even if that statement could almost get me in trouble today for its implications. The political correctness pervasive in the media (not just social media) and the endless shaming of those who err (almost exclusively via social media) is rampant, and it's gotten to the point where saying nothing at all is the safest route forward. I personally hate that, and I think it does not bring us forward. 

Lest I am misunderstood, in conclusion, I am all for celebrating the women in our lives, at home, outside, and in the workplace, yet I don't feel (at least in North America) that we need a special day to acknowledge them. Just like I don't need any silly-sounding men's day. I prefer to celebrate women year-round, not just on some artificially created special event day; ditto St. Valentine's day. And if you ask most women, they much prefer year-round appreciation rather than roses and chocolates ordered online at the last minute on Feb. 13th from the office, after hearing someone mention tomorrow's big day!

Next we will be asking for a special day to commemorate just us Irish?! Hmm, I think we already have that one, too, and it's only a week or so away! On that note, I better get back to my desk and focus on the needs of two of the women in my life, before they begin to ask themselves whether they really need any men in the office anymore and label me as superfluous to requirements! Have a great International Women's Day (to all those who do celebrate it) but just remember, tomorrow is as much a day to celebrate women everywhere as is today! 

[Photo courtesy of Tony Caldwell/Postmedia Network and the Toronto Sun]