Why ACB's Confirmation is Not a Sign of Women Empowerment

Dear Asian Youth,

Millions across the nation watched in horror as Amy Coney Barrett uttered the words:

“I, Amy Coney Barrett, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

And just like that, in a matter of minutes, the gradual stripping of women’s rights began: LGBTQ+ rights, health care rights-

Our rights.

My rights.

The rights of the generations to come.

Everything that RBG worked for is being washed away, like a tsunami crashing onto shore, a tsunami of hate and privilege

We see the clock of our nation turn backwards- days...months...years...decades…

America’s past history overtaking us.

This is not the woman we want to represent us,

And definitely not the woman we deserve.

And we have every right to complain. The Instagram account @angryasianfeminist created a post that sums this up perfectly:

“Women in powerful positions isn’t inherently feminist especially when they use their power to harm more marginalized women.”

ACB is not a sign of women empowerment, ESPECIALLY when she advocates for so many things that go against what we have fought for for so long:

She believes the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional, an act that provides millions in the nation with health insurance and protects those with preexisting conditions.

She referred to abortion as barbaric and is a clear supporter of making it illegal, not only limiting our choice as women but our reproductive rights as a whole.

Her confirmation creates a court dominated by conservatives, meaning that there may be multiple devastating effects on the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from same-sex marriage to other current protections.

She is not a firm believer of climate change, stating that a global issue that has been proved by science is controversial.

Though her track record is a bit cloudy regarding immigration, that doesn’t excuse her from the fact that she has previously voted on a policy that makes it more difficult for immigrants to enter and live in this country.

And the list goes on.

Is this the representation we needed?

Is this who we are supposed to call our

“Empowering queen”?

“Strong savior”?

“Feminist icon”?

ACB instills fear and terror inside of us, rather than encouragement and strength.

This is not who we want to decide and represent

Our rights

My rights

The rights of the generation to come.

And we will not let ACB wash away our progress

Our work

Our voice.

- Julianne Tenorio

Cover photo source: https://apnews.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg-chicago-womens-rights-us-supreme-court-courts-2671c24ddc972989ef44b5cd88461b1d