Make 'feminism' the word of the year until women feel safe

Feminism listed in a Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Feminism listed in a Merriam-Webster dictionary. Photograph: Peter Morgan/AP

This week a man attempted a terrorist attack in New York’s Port Authority subway station, but his bomb detonated early and the attacker was the only one seriously injured. Despite what Twitter would have you believe, New York – as it does – went on very much the same. People groused about subway delays and went on with their day. It was just one of many days that made me proud to be a native New Yorker. We could all take a lesson from that sort of resilience and attitude, to be honest: we won’t let terrible people make us feel terrible. We will live our lives, and refuse to be terrorized.

On a happier note, though the outing of abusive men continues, the world is starting to recognize the power of women behind this incredible cultural moment: Merriam-Webster named “feminism” the word of 2017. Now we just have to continue to make it the movement of the year (and next year, and the next) until women can start to feel safe in their own country.

Glass half full

The unthinkable happened and Doug Jones won the Alabama special election. It’s a low bar – getting excited over an accused child-molester and explicit racist losing – but in a time when wins are few and far between, I’ll take it.

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