On the Basis of Sex (2018) is a movie about the early years of Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s legal career. I watched the movie last night and loved it. Here’s why.
Exposure of bias: Ginsberg went to Harvard Law School. There are several scenes in which it’s clear the administration does not want women in their beloved male-dominated school. Ginsberg was one of nine women in the class of 1956. The movie does a spectacular job of creating a visual sense of loneliness and hope. While she may have the odds stacked against her, she is ready to change the world.
Promotion of logic over emotion: One of the reasons I loved this movie is that it painted Ginsberg as a real human. It’s easy to remember her as resolute, strong, passionate, and intelligent. But in the beginning, she had to learn to curb her emotions. A good argument is backed by valid and sound premises, not heated opinions. Ginsberg overcame her angst in favor of putting together a sound argument, and because of that, she changed the world.
Denial of moral relativism: At this time in Ginsberg’s career, the Federal Government had passed hundreds of laws supporting gender inequality. In the eyes of the lawmakers, a woman’s place was at home cleaning and taking care of the kids. It was the “natural order” of things. Nobody questioned these laws preventing women from work, opportunity, or equal pay. This movie does a great job of exposing the moral relativism that still exists in our society. Is it right to prevent someone from advancing because of gender? The answer is a clear and resounding “no.” Morality does not change based on context, skin color, or religion.
Link to movie on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4669788/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
It’s a great movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. I have a lot more to learn about the career of this incredible woman. Perhaps I’ll find a few good books on the subject.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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