There is little doubt that in these polarizing times Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsberg is a force to be reckoned with. Her stature on the Supreme
Court and its rulings are legendary to those who adore her and infamous to
those who do not. Loved by some and hated by others here’s the thing one should
take from learning about her. She deserves recognition and respect for her
accomplishments. At the same time she shouldn’t be idolized to the extreme as
some have done.
RBG is a documentary the takes a look at the life and times
of Ginsberg from her growing up and attending college at a time when women
weren’t taken seriously through to her time now serving on the highest court of
the land. Those early years put into perspective why she fought the battles she
chose when it came to equality for women and provide a historical backdrop for
young people to learn about what it was like at the time.
I’ve often said when watching movies one has to put their
mindset and eyes into the times in which the movie was made rather than
watching through the eyes of where we are now. The same holds true when
considering history. This film demonstrates that. For some they might not
comprehend what it was like for women at the time Ginsberg went to school
knowing what it is like now. Her story is how things changed to become as they
are today.
The movie takes a look at how she progressed from student to
lawyer and her work with the ACLU for women’s rights. Ginsberg appeared before
the Supreme Court several times before she joined it years later. She was
heavily involved in the women’s rights movement of the sixties and into the
seventies. While there were more familiar faces involved in that battle like
Gloria Steinem for one, Ginsberg actually laid the legal groundwork for those
changes.
Ginsberg went on to serves as a judge and was later
nominated for a position on the Supreme Court. Her appearance before congress
found her easily approved and she began serving. As times and judges changed
her position on the court changed as well. The more conservative the judges
became the more known for being the voice of dissent was her lot in life.
The film focuses on her time in the law it also take a look
at her private life as well. This mainly consists of her long time love for her
late husband Marty. Their relationship was special. In a time when most men had
that overwhelming sense that they were the breadwinner and their careers came
first, Marty instead supported his wife recognizing the importance of what her
work meant to her. When Ruth was the serious one, Marty was the more social and
outgoing one with a keen sense of humor. Their love story makes up a nice
portion of the film as well.
Towards the end of the film we’re presented with the
idolization of Ginsberg where we stand today. She became known as the Notorious
RBG, a play of the name used by rap star the Notorious BIG. Her face adorns
products like a rock star, everything from mugs to T-shirts. She’s been
parodied on SNL and praised by various groups who have presented her with
numerous awards. And she’s even been given a blog that celebrates her story in
essays and images.
While watching the film there were several thoughts that
continued to run through my mind. The first was that the woman deserves respect
for the things that she has achieved. This is not a sexist remarks claiming
that it was impressive because she was a woman but that as a lawyer and
advocate she has left behind and amazing amount of work.
The next thought was that while she should be celebrated for
her work she shouldn’t be turned into a saint. Her fans are legion and they act
as if she can do no wrong and her every syllable should be held in high esteem.
I may be alone in my thoughts but no justice on the court should be treated
this way no matter which way they lean politically. They are human, they are
interpreting law, they are not superheroes or rock stars.
Lastly the timing of this release comes as Brett Kavanaugh
is being considered for appointment to the Supreme Court. In watching how
Ginsberg is treated compared to the approach being taken with Kavanaugh I’ve
been surprised. Ginsberg was treated with respect by both parties. And while
Kavanaugh has been attacked for having personal beliefs Ginsberg was celebrated
and praised for the exact same thing. During her testimony she admitted to her
strongly held beliefs on women’s rights and to me that’s fine. Kavanaugh hasn’t
done the same but any hint of a personal belief and he’s been raked over the
coals and seen as unfit by those who oppose him. How different things are when
the shoe is on the other foot.
In the end the movie is a fascinating look and a woman who
should be admired if perhaps not canonized. The legacy that she leaves behind
as a litigator and a justice are to be admired whether you agree with her or
not. And in watching this film perhaps a better understanding of the woman and
her behavior is on display for all. You can’t ask for much more in a
documentary.
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