Friday, September 14, 2018

RBG: IDOLIZATION


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.

No comments:

Post a Comment