One of the top things I remember from my very first lecture of my Women’s and Gender Studies graduate school experience was the discussion of how we are even able to conceptualize feminist history.
Generally, we think of feminist history in terms of “waves”—aka, periods of high vs. low activist activity. But my professor had compiled other ways to think of feminist history, including the idea that instead of waves, we might imagine activist movements like ripples on the surface of water. There’s a small start, and the ripples continue to grow in ever-expanding concentric circles.
Though many other aspects of my Women’s and Gender Studies education may have been more fascinating, surprising or impactful, the idea that feminism is connected by ripples came to mean a lot to me. This concept helped me understand how movements can shift and change while also recognizing the past that we came from.
Upon finishing the first episodes of FX’s newest show, Mrs. America, I found myself returning again and again to the idea that activist history doesn’t just follow the peaks and valleys of imagined waves. Instead, as I watched, it was like I could feel the ripples of the issues, struggles, and personalities of the women onscreen touching my life and concerns in the present day.
Mrs. America spends much time in its first episodes on Cate Blanchett’s incredible performance as real-life opponent of the Equal Rights Amendment, Phyllis Schlafly. Viewers are given a fictionalized slice of Schlafly’s everyday life as she ramps up her interest in fighting against the women’s liberation movement.
We are led to believe that Schlafly’s attention-grabbing opposition isn’t just rooted in deeply-held fears about the women’s liberation movement. Rather, her outspoken attitudes are portrayed as an (overtly problematic) attempt to grab power for herself in whatever way she could in a patriarchal society.
Soon, we’re treated to more star-studded performances of activist icons from the 1960’s and 70’s as they navigate how best to build coalitions and rally support around feminist causes.
Here are a few of my takeaways from the three-episode premiere. From amazing performances to ripples of activism through the ages, there are lots of reasons to check out Mrs. America.