My mother was born in 1963; the age of reform and revolution. She was young in a decade when Americans were moving away from their conservative ways and transforming to the nation’s democratic ideals. Young people wanted change, which led to protests for equality and demanding an end to the Vietnam War. The civil rights movement led to inspire other groups for equal rights. Feminists demanded an end to sexual discrimination and equal job opportunities. In the beginning of the 60’s it was impossible to find women in any sort of power, and this empowered my mother more than ever.
After a long and interesting interview I am now proud to share the memories my mother has. As a young girl, at the age of ten, Kristy was greatly into gymnastics. She was one of the best gymnasts at her gym. Although she became a great athlete there were also a few downfalls. Being such an intense athlete led to stunts in her growth and put her behind on puberty. Not only did she not develop breasts and a menstrual cycle at the same age as her friends but her last name was also Little. The other girls at her school would tease her calling her breasts little; her known nickname around school was “Little Kristy”.
She felt embarrassed and was ashamed that she did not experience menstrual cramps the way all of her friends did. She explained that having a period was something to be proud of, “you become a women”. As a teenage birth control had first hit the market. During this time women were being more open about their sexuality instead of hiding it away like before, “I lost my virginity at the age of 14”. Not only was my mother sexually liberated but she also took advantage of Planned Parenthood. Along with the help of Planned Parenthood keeping her safe, she also used rock-and-roll at platform to self-discovery.
She felt as though she could live through the music and be herself. She claims that music was very important during this era and that it help spread good vibes, and love. This was in extreme contrast to the Victorian-era. One of the largest and most innovative technologies of the menstrual cycle was the invention of the tampon. The tampon allowed women to be more free and flexible when they were on their period. From the Body Project a few women told stories on their first kiss or sexual experience. Yet, there experiences greatly differed due to the cultural change.
Women were no longer hiding their sexual feelings. From the body project it seemed that not many girls performed in any sort of sexual activities, and now with birth control on the market it gave women more freedom to express their sexuality. The 60’s were probably the most important times for women rights. Young women all over the country were joining together to be recognized as more than what they were being viewed before. There would often be protests and marches in order to obtain these goals. The women were not going to give up on their common goal: to be truly equal with men.
My mother was one of these women to try to create truly equal rights for women. She wanted change not only for herself but also for her fellow friends and family who were women. She knew she had what it took to strive to the top and make her own name for herself. Summer of 1975 Kristy, my mother, was looking to obtain a summer job. Kristy did not live in the easiest of times; her mother was a single mother trying to support a family of four. She began working at a local bank. The bank did not have any other women working.
Although my mother felt very proud and empowered to be the only women working at her job the men did not feel the same way. They would often gawk at her and make little remarks. She did not let this stop her though. She knew this was her time to shine no matter what anyone had to say. She wanted to pave the way into a new era where women could be equal to men and even have better jobs than men. Not only were these protests amazing and empowering for women but they also helped to create equality for other groups other than women. Kristy worked her way through the bank.
Interestingly enough, the bank that she had worked at had one of the first ATMs. She was privileged to be the first ever women in her bank to become a manger and introduce the ATM. My mother’s job became training other men employees. This was an important movement because for once a woman was in a higher power of the bank than some of the men. This is indeed a very great move toward women equality. It is interesting to read stories about women who did not have any job, only taking care of kids. Before these times women were always put below men.
My mother definitely paved the way and greatly inspires me in my everyday life. Not only did my mother empower herself through getting a job and moving through the ranking she was also an amazing gymnast. It had always been my mothers dream to become something more in life. During these times women were rarely seen as athletes and not really represented in the Olympics. Growing into a beautiful and powerful young woman my mothers life was dedicated to gymnastics and self-expression. She would travel around going to the best gym around her.
Her eyes were on the prize she wanted to be on the Olympic team. She trained and trained day and day. No matter what doubts other people had I her she never gave up on herself. She was her own person and she wanted to shine. My mother enjoyed watching TV and often day dreamt about becoming an Olympian, “I always looked up to Olga Korbut, she was my favorite gymnast and I wanted to be just like her”. She soon found her way to the junior Olympics. Her dream was starting to come true. She could definitely see the change in which women were being treated and their equality with men.
I cannot be more proud of my mother and where she has come from. Her era was definitely liberating and I love to hear her stories. It is important to understand and appreciate where woman come from. As a young girl Kristy always dreamed of a world where her daughter would be able to receive equal rights and appreciation. Today in my daily life I strive to be what my mother was and always reach for my goals. Without women in history who defied the rules of culture us women would not be where we are today.
