The Enduring Western Echo: Sexism, Manifest Destiny, and the Ongoing American Reckoning
Tommy Lee Jones’s reflection on the inspirations behind his film, The Homesman, offers a potent reminder: examining the past is crucial to understanding present-day inequalities. His focus on the experiences of women, and the historical roots of sexism tied to westward expansion, isn’t simply a cinematic exploration – it’s a lens through which we can view ongoing societal challenges. But where is this reckoning heading?
The Historical Weight of Manifest Destiny
Jones rightly points to the connection between the historical narrative of Manifest Destiny and ingrained sexism. The push westward wasn’t a neutral endeavor. It involved the dispossession of Indigenous populations and the reinforcement of patriarchal structures. The idealized image of the rugged individualist often overshadowed the contributions and struggles of women, who faced immense hardship and limited agency.
This isn’t just historical conjecture. Research from the National Women’s History Museum highlights the often-erased roles of women in the West – from pioneers and homesteaders to entrepreneurs and activists. However, these stories frequently exist *despite* systemic barriers, not because of opportunities readily available to them.
Sexism in Modern America: A Persistent Pattern
The “undeniable tradition of sexism” Jones identifies isn’t confined to the 19th century. Recent data paints a stark picture. The Pew Research Center consistently reports a gender pay gap, with women earning 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2022. Furthermore, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions across various sectors.
Consider the tech industry, for example. While progress is being made, a 2023 report by AnitaB.org found that women hold only 28.8% of computing roles. This disparity isn’t simply about individual choices; it’s a reflection of systemic biases in hiring, promotion, and workplace culture. Similar patterns exist in politics, finance, and even traditionally “female-dominated” fields where leadership roles are often held by men.
The Rise of Intersectionality and Expanded Conversations
The conversation around sexism is evolving. We’re moving beyond a singular focus on gender to embrace intersectionality – the understanding that gender intersects with race, class, sexual orientation, and other identities to create unique experiences of discrimination.
This is particularly relevant when considering the legacy of Manifest Destiny. The westward expansion wasn’t just about white men claiming land; it involved the exploitation of women of color and Indigenous women, whose experiences were often doubly marginalized. The #MeToo movement, while initially focused on sexual harassment and assault, has broadened to encompass a wider range of gender-based violence and discrimination, acknowledging these intersecting vulnerabilities.
The increasing visibility of transgender and non-binary individuals is also reshaping the discourse. These communities face unique challenges related to gender identity and expression, highlighting the limitations of a binary understanding of gender.
Future Trends: Accountability and Systemic Change
Looking ahead, several trends suggest a potential shift towards greater accountability and systemic change.
- ESG Investing: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing is gaining momentum, with investors increasingly scrutinizing companies’ diversity and inclusion practices.
- Mandatory Diversity Reporting: More countries and states are implementing mandatory diversity reporting requirements, forcing companies to publicly disclose their workforce demographics.
- AI Bias Detection: Efforts are underway to develop AI tools that can detect and mitigate bias in algorithms, addressing concerns about discriminatory outcomes in areas like hiring and loan applications.
- Expanded Parental Leave Policies: The push for paid parental leave and affordable childcare is gaining traction, aiming to reduce the disproportionate burden on women in caregiving roles.
However, these trends are not without resistance. Backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is growing in some quarters, fueled by misinformation and political polarization.
FAQ
Q: What is Manifest Destiny?
A: A 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand its dominion and spread democracy and capitalism across the entire North American continent.
Q: What is intersectionality?
A: A framework for understanding how aspects of a person’s social and political identities combine to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege.
Q: Is sexism still a problem today?
A: Yes. Despite progress, sexism persists in various forms, including the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership, and gender-based violence.
Q: What can individuals do to combat sexism?
A: Challenge gender stereotypes, support women in leadership, advocate for equal pay, and speak out against discrimination.
Want to learn more about the historical experiences of women in the American West? Explore the resources at the National Women’s History Museum.
What are your thoughts on the enduring legacy of sexism? Share your perspective in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful analysis.
