I Want to Start a Movement: It All Starts with One

We’re kicking of a new series of blogs on the ‘power of one.’ As we progress throughout this piece and those to follow, take a moment to reflect on the stories of ordinary people who are leading extraordinary lives. Each one — despite charting their own path — has had an impact in making our world a better place; and what will it mean for each of us?

Today’s story is about the daughter of Jewish immigrants who was born during a time of extreme discrimination. Her family came to the United States for opportunity, and it was something she discovered early on that was not easily obtainable. Yet, she undauntedly pursued and received a great education; met and married the man who would be the love of her life; and like many other women at the time — she got pregnant and was demoted in her place of work.

Based on the societal norms at the time, pregnant women did not deserve the same money as men. Time passed and she was accepted into law school; a prestigious law school when very few women were accepted into law school at all. She was tested by many. “Why is a woman occupying a seat in law school that should have gone to a man?” While she finished law school tying with another student for being top of her class; following her graduation from such a prestigious institution, she could not get a job. She was passed over because of her gender. She eventually found work as a law school teacher where she was still paid a smaller wage than if she were man in her position; and she was told she didn’t need the money because her husband had a good paying job.

The more I learned about this woman, the more I was stunned. How many trials can one-person face head on? How many times can someone be told no? During her time as a lawyer she never settled and happened upon an important case related to sex discrimination. She represented a man who was told ‘no’ on the basis of his gender. She fought the case and won it for us alland went on to win more cases; and slowly chip away at a plethora of ways in which societal norms that have tried to make one person inferior to another.

The woman we’re referring to — was nominated to the Supreme Court of the United States, and still serves there to this day. Some call her the ‘Notorious RBG,’ others know her as Ruth Bader Ginsberg. While RGB’s strength, intelligence, and persistence have helped to proactively shift our society in the right direction — she didn’t accomplish this alone. She had the support of her mother and her husband. She had the support of professional colleagues who challenged her to do her best work, to serve, and to lead; and she was challenged by her daughter to stay focused on what was right instead of what was easy. RGB had choices; she chose to step into the fight but could have chosen to back out. She chose to look for other like-minded people for help and gain insight from, but she could have retreated to her corner. You can see for yourself in the movie On the Basis of Sex, and CNN’s documentary RGB.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg wrote the majority opinion in the Olmstead decision; a case which defined discrimination against people with disabilities and affirmed the Americans with Disabilities Act. She started a movement and gave inclusion the big kick it needed.

Whether we choose to lead or choose to follow, we are all called to discern the path to a better world; and we are all called to take it in one way or another. What do you see on your path? ​