Fight for what you care about, but fight in a way that allows others to join you.
This sentence comes from the advice of American Justice Ruth Bader King to the young women present at Radcliffe College of Harvard University. Although this famous saying is not from a judgment or her opinion under the law, it is the second female justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and the only Jewish female justice who has left wisdom and experience advice for the progress of women's rights all her life.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, he
Known as "notorious"?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg's clothing style has also become a trend. Although the judge always appears in a dark robe, it is not difficult to find that he especially uses accessories to emphasize his personal style.
She is the Supreme Court Justice nominated by President Clinton from 65438 to 0993 in the United States, and is also the only Jewish female justice in the United States so far, shaping a cultural symbol that can be felt at a glance.
She symbolizes the voice of liberals and balances the conservative forces in the court. Not only do they speak out for women's rights, abortion rights and same-sex marriage rights, but they also face up to conservative ideas fearlessly; It is also the most powerful backer of marginalized groups in society.
People call her "notorious RBG" because of her bold and frank personality, but negative words have become synonymous with boldness and courage.
Be turned away from the library.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg was born in Brooklyn, new york. Even though she grew up in a community with low social and economic status, her mother Celia taught her independence and the tough character she now has. Celia gave up college herself, but she worked day and night in a clothing factory to earn money for her brother to finish school. She also told Ruth that education is very important.
1957,500 students, only 9 female students, were treated unfairly. You can't use the campus library, you won't be lit to express your opinions in class, and you will be asked by the dean to explain why you "occupied the male quota".
Whether it is the mother's selflessness or discrimination in the process of reading; These real experiences from life have sharpened her resolute appearance today.
A pioneer of female power.
At that time, the male-dominated American society and even the courts didn't think that "sexism" existed. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the one who picked up a hammer and smashed the high wall.
65438-0970, participated in the establishment of the legal magazine Feminist Law, focusing on women's rights. While teaching at Columbia University, she even wrote the first legal case about gender discrimination.
In the early years, judges' robes were made for men, with shirts and ties. Ruth will create her own legal shirt! Use various lace collars and lace decorations on the chest on special occasions, and put on her classic dress. People say, "She has brought revolutionary changes to American women. 」
Ruth especially likes lace, embroidery, sequins and other elements to decorate the collar, and will wear it according to different occasions. For example, if she has important opinions to express that day, she will wear this majority opinion to attend.
On the other hand, if she objects that day, she will wear this collar piece decorated with beads, because: "It looks like an objection! 」
Rewrite the rules of social games
Women's rights are not just words. Ruth can always use intelligence to help the United States move towards real equality between men and women step by step. 1996, there is a classic case she handled. At that time, the court was in full swing to discuss whether it was unreasonable for Virginia Military Institute to recruit only men. The college holds that in order to maintain the Excellence and tradition of military personnel, we must adhere to the principle of "recruiting only men", and women can transfer to VWIL schools that specialize in recruiting women.
But in Ruth's eyes, she doesn't think so. In her judgment, she explicitly rejected the rule that put women at a disadvantage. The case was finally declared unconstitutional, setting a milestone on the road to gender equality. Because of this judgment, Virginia Military Institute was forced to recruit the first batch of 30 female students in 1997. These pioneers got their diplomas in 200 1 year, and then the proportion of female students in Virginia Military Institute increased year by year. Later,
The strongest backing?
There is no doubt about Ruth Bader Ginsburg's wisdom and willpower, but it is her husband Martin Ginsburg, who also has a legal background, who can give full play to her outstanding ability so freely.
"He is the only man I have ever dated who cares that I have a brain. Ruth Bader Ginsburg once described her lover Martin Ginsburg like this. They look very different, one is tall, the other is thin and their family background is different. Their acquaintance is like a lovely fate.
Ruth and Martin are both students at Cornell University. Ruth recalled that one day Nabokov, a professor of English literature whom she admired, asked a question about the English writer Dickens. Martin was the only student present who answered the question, which made her heart beat instantly. Martin's roommate even acted as a matchmaker and arranged for the two to meet. It is said that Martin's first impression after seeing Ruth was "super cute!" And the second impression is to find that "she is super smart! After graduating from college, the two decided to spend the rest of their lives together.
In the 1950 s, both men and women followed the rule that "men are masters and women are masters", but Ruth and Martin did the opposite. Decided to pursue their career ideals, not to interfere with each other, and become the pioneer of double-income families.
After getting married, Martin found that Ruth lacked interest in cooking and skills. Martin became the one who went in and out of the kitchen and stood by the firm female judge forever. The former White House Chief of Staff once said, "Although Ruth Bader Ginsberg will definitely be appointed to the Supreme Court according to her ability, if her husband didn't do these things for her, it would be difficult for her to have today's status. 」
1965-1In the early 1990s, Ruth became a candidate for justice. Out of courtesy, it is not convenient to canvass for yourself. Martin is a respected professor of tax law at Georgetown University. He acts as a pioneer for his wife, including lobbying media people. This is not an easy job. Bede1June 993 14 was successfully appointed as the Chief Justice.
At the end of her speech, Ruth stared at the gentleman sitting in the front row and said, "I have the close support of my life partner Martin." He has been my best friend and most powerful help since I was a child. 」
In 20 10, Martin died of cancer. Before he left, he left a note for his beloved Ruth:
Dearest Ruth,
You are the only love in my life, leaving only a little for my parents and children, and their children.
I have admired and loved you since we met at Cornell 56 years ago. It's great to watch you climb to the top of the legal world.
I will stay in the hospital until Friday, June 25th. During this period, I will think deeply about the rest of my life and my health. Should I stick to it or let it go, because it is too painful to lose my quality of life.
I hope you support me, but I can understand that you may not support me. My love for you is undiminished.
Martin
Martin died a week later and went on his own. Dehart said: "This is the last protection for the beloved wife from the burden of making this decision. 」
Enemies and best friends
Although Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a liberal in American courts, she also has her good friends in the opposing conservative camp!
Antonin Scalia, the late American Justice, was called a "conservative fighter" and was Ginsburg's eternal friend. Although there is always a collision of ideas in front of the Constitution, in private, we still keep a trip of ordinary friends watching the opera together.
Ginsburg described scalia as follows: "I basically don't agree with him, but I like the way he expresses his views. They also hang gliding together and ride elephants together. They kept their own ideas, and at the same time shared casual memories of their lives with each other, which made people see Ginsburg's wisdom and flexibility in treating friendship.