Faith in Democracy: Can It Be Restored? A Reflection on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
by Christina Cazanave, MSW
The loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a hurt that is felt deeply. Justice Ginsburg was a dominating force, a change-maker, a cultural icon, a “nasty” woman, a legend. She was someone who showed what democracy can be for women, men, LGBTQIA, immigrants, and others. She understood the power of silence, because she fought hard to be heard. Justice Ginsburg graduated top of her class from the male-dominated Columbia Law School, yet no one gave her a chance. Finally, despite the doubters, she became the first tenured female professor at Columbia and the director of the Women’s Rights Project of the ACLU.
Her most significant moments were facing a group of men in the land's highest court, where she fought six times on discrimination cases based on gender. Justice Ginsburg's husband Martin Ginsburg, a fierce feminist, used his privilege to urge President Clinton to give his wife an opportunity to become a nominee for the Supreme Court. She accepted the nomination and became the second woman ever to sit on the Supreme Court. Justice Ginsburg's time on the bench was remarkable and transcendent. Most importantly, it reminded me, a young Latina woman, that I too can get involved, find my voice, and make a dent in this shifting world.
Where do we go from here? What will we do with our grief? Justice Ginsburg spent her whole life fighting for a democracy that many of us no longer believe exists. She made sure men and women of all colors, families of all faiths, relationships that represent all loves, and individuals of all statuses be included in our founding documents. She made sure that the lines “all men are created equal” and “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are a reality for you and me.
Justice Ginsburg believed in democracy. She felt everyone deserved to be given an opportunity in our democracy. For too long, we allowed her to speak for us when, instead, she gave us the tools to speak for ourselves. Her ideals for justice do not end just because she is no longer leading the charge. Instead, we step up and lead a new charge that honors her work, her last dying wish, her legacy. We get to work by demonstrating our faith in democracy.
We are at a critical time in our nation, where no matter the outcome of the election, someone will be hurt, angry, or sad. We cannot change that, but what we can change is our ability to show our government that we, the people, will no longer sit aside and let them continue their partisan roadblocks. No longer will we allow their decisions to go by without input from us. We will remind them that they work for the people, and the people make up the government. Restoring faith in democracy is not easy. It cannot happen if we continue to get upset in our homes, without letting that echo outwards. It will not happen if we stay within our tight circles, complain, and do nothing. It will not happen if we post or share that meme on social media with no follow-up.
Instead, steer into the gray, and commit to meaningful, tough conversations where you listen and learn from divergent viewpoints as you move toward firming your points. Become aware of who speaks for you in your local, state, and federal governments. Learn who they are, what they stand for, and find out what they have or have not done to better your community.
Engage by registering to vote at www.turbovote.org and voting in the November 3, 2020, election. After the election, stay involved! Volunteer in your community with organizations that are striving to make it better. Attend town halls and coffee talks, and make appointments with your legislators to share your knowledge of what is occurring in your neighborhoods.
Sign petitions, make phone calls, engage in civil disobedience, and let your voice go beyond your computer screen and text messages. Run for office! Who better to represent the people of your community than a person who understands what is needed. Whatever you do, start immediately! There's no more waiting. There's no more time to see what happens next. The time is now!
Justice Ginsburg's death could change the landscape of this political world, but it won't change her legacy. Let her life and death be the beacon, the movement, the breath we need to reenergize our faith in democracy.
Christina Cazanave, MSW, is the Director of Field Education and Instructor of Undergraduate Social Work at Saint Leo University. She earned her master's at the University of Central Florida. Before becoming a faculty member, she worked as a social work practitioner for ten years, primarily with at-risk children and teens in the foster care and educational systems. Cazanave's concentration of studies includes macro social work – community and organizational change. Her focus includes initiatives within the social work profession to combat social injustices using advocacy and public policy.