It has been three years since the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also known by her nickname RBG, the modern-day superwoman, who has continuously been an inspiration to women and men all across the world, including myself. The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, best known for her activism for gender equality, was an extraordinary woman who shattered glass ceilings and opened many doors for women in America before her death in September 2020. I recently rewatched the documentary, “RBG”, to remember what an iconic person she was and the place she holds in American’s hearts today.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a first-generation American and college student. Her immigrant parents, and especially her mother, ingrained the importance of education in her at a young age. Her mother died at a young age, but this did not stop Ginsburg from following her mother’s dream and getting the best education that was offered to her. She graduated from Cornell University and then graduated Harvard Law school while also making the Columbia and Harvard Law Review. In her Harvard class of 500 students, she was one of eight females. Her mere presence in this male-dominated sector was a form of activism in itself, but Ginsburg’s activism reached far beyond her mere presence in male-dominated areas: she opened doors for women and all other minorities through legal litigation. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was not only an activist, but a cultural icon.
When thinking of the late Supreme Court Justice, one can think of her many inspirational quotes regarding gender equality. Not only did her words become iconic, but her collar, as well. Tessa Broker covered these infamous collars and discussed how RBG argued that the robes made for Supreme Court Justices were made for men, so she added a collar to make it more her style. Her boldness and rejection of the status quo made her a trailblazer.
One of her most iconic quotes is, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” This is such a simple argument, since as women make up a little over fifty percent of the American population, they should be present where all decisions are being made. Women should have a say in matters concerning them, and this is the America that RBG believed in, a pluralistic society and an America that listens to all of its citizens and where everyone has a voice. Her activism spread beyond gender equality, as she was also an activist for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Her activism and story are also inspirational to many young women not only pursuing law but other male-dominated fields, as well. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has left a powerful and inspirational legacy and will be remembered for generations as a trailblazer.