'A Day Without a Woman' just a day to complain

When I think of Women's History Month, which March is, I think of celebrating greatness and accomplishments, of honoring women who have made a mark and are leaving one. While I think of those who have endured great challenges, I am also mindful of those who have known great success, inspiring us to do the same.

Some approach this observance similarly, but it seems that now, what's most prevalent is the element that wants to focus exclusively on the negative, much of which stems from those who still cannot accept Donald Trump as our president. So an observance that should be joyful and inspirational has become another opportunity to protest.

Yes, I know the First Amendment verifies the right to peaceful protest, but I benefit from the First Amendment also, so I exercise my right to comment, even criticize, such actions.

The growing protest-love-fest movement gave birth to "A Day Without a Woman" last Wednesday. The goal was described by its website:

"On International Women's Day, March 8th, women and our allies will act together for equity, justice and the human rights of women and all gender-oppressed people, through a one-day demonstration of economic solidarity." Three things were requested:

1. Women take the day off, from paid and unpaid labor

2. Avoid shopping for one day (with exceptions for small, women- and minority-owned businesses).

3. Wear red in solidarity with "A Day Without A Woman"

The first request, further explained, was for women to strike their jobs in protest of not making the same pay as their male counterparts, not being treated fairly or whatever beef someone could cook up. We have reached a place where, instead of celebrating, we find reasons to complain because that's the thing to do now. The other thing to do is play the victim. I recognize inequities exist, and we must not tolerate true gender discrimination. But what does it serve when a woman fails to show up at her job? Is a strike from a job one day out of 365 the answer? Of course not. This isn't about answers, though. It's about saying, "Yay! Another opportunity to protest!"

One of the most disturbing aspects of the strike was the effect it had on school districts. Schools closed because the shortage of staff rendered them unable to instruct our kids. This is ridiculousness personified. Why a district would tolerate it, I do not know. Having been a teacher for nearly two decades, I understand teachers have a right to take days off, and I do believe that they have a right to spend them as they wish. I am not, therefore, suggesting that a district deny anyone a day off simply because the reason for the day off is questionable to administration. I am stating, however, that when too many request the same day off, some of those requests must be denied. In my experience, an administrator always had the authority to deny a request. It rarely happened, but then, I doubt we had a plethora of people requesting the same day off. Had that ever occurred, it would have been reasonable -- imperative, actually -- to say no. Schools closing to accommodate employees spending the day complaining about their employers is unfathomable to me. These people with decent salaries, personal days, vacation time and a contract that allows them to take time off cause schools to close to complain about what? That they don't have it good enough?

In 2017, some say, they are "second class citizens." Let's be honest. Many are just upset that their choice for president -- a woman -- did not win, and they're still pouting.

Teachers' requests for time off should have been rejected not because the protest was bogus -- though it was -- but because our children deserve better, and activity that puts undue inconvenience on their well-being must be denied. A teacher calling in afterwards should be disciplined.

The larger issue is the wave of victimhood sweeping the land. "Woe is me" is the trend. Why not look to women like Maya Angelou, who wrote "Still I Rise" and "Phenomenal Woman," poems about overcoming and celebrating womanhood, respectively. Why not highlight women in our communities who model hard work and optimism and who share stories of other women upon whose shoulders we stand? What about prophesying life to women yet to be born, proclaiming over them that all things are possible. Society has diverted from declaring this to donning pink hats, red outfits or black hearts and complaining -- though we have never had it so good.

Women are doing great things. We always have. And the greatest among us don't have time to protest faux causes, much of which are just political statements in disguise. No, they're too busy being productive. Their spirit screams to us, "Stop playing the victim, get to work, do your jobs and find ways to inspire. When there is a real cause that requires a real movement, move forward with passion -- and people will then take you seriously."

Adrienne Ross is an editor, writer, public speaker, former teacher and coach, Southeast Missourian editorial board member and owner of Adrienne Ross Communications.