One would not expect a film/documentary about the life of a US Justice to be something that would have mass appeal. That being said, there has been a recent change in the type of people that are becoming cultural icons. Moving away from the Kardashians and Jenners, the younger generations have started following those people that are actively working to bring to light or improve what we have come to see as a flawed system.
Being based in America, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a person I was not aware of, but I have heard the name in popular TV shows (such as Family Guy and The Simpsons), though no context is provided. But having an understanding of how difficult it is to make changes in the US due to their multi-layered two-party system, I was intrigued to see what how this fight for equality was attributed to her.
The documentary covers the entirety of Justice Ginsburg's life, so there is a wide variety of photos, videos, and audio that all come in a variety of qualities. Initially, it does stand out, and the transitions from grainy footage to sharp, clear HD was visually jolting, but as the film progresses, the transitions become less apparent as you are drawn into the content, rather than being distracted by the packaging.
The story being told is indeed remarkable and worthy of a film feature. Showing how she was inspired by lawyers protecting people's rights during the "Red Scare", and went on to become a lawyer in a world where female lawyers weren't wanted, to find work in a world that didn't want to employ her, and then stand up for equal rights by convincing people to change the laws. All done through hard work and a well thought-out strategy (all while looking after her child, and a husband who had cancer).
With the way the world is today, the rise of "SJW's" (standing for "social justice warrior", and is a negative term for an individual who promotes socially progressive views, including feminism, civil rights, and multiculturalism and identity politics), RBG is the piece that reflects on how change was actually achieved in the States. Not by attacking those in places of power, but by bringing them to your side by getting them to empathise with your struggles, and working both sides of the issue.
RBG follows the important cases that Ginsburg brought before the Supreme Court in the 70's and displays excerpts of actual audio from the cases. You hear her specific choices in words, the disdain and patronizing way in which she was often treated, but most importantly, you hear her not getting flustered and instead, having an ironclad argument that is prepared for any type of rebuttal. RBG fights not only for women's rights, but also men's rights, and that is the key that has led to her popularity in that she isn't attacking a group or trying to remove privileges. She is simply trying to remove barriers to provide actual equality.
We have a tendency to support the underdog in battles, and this is a brilliant example of it happening in real-life for altruistic reasons. There are no self-serving motives. This woman wants the world to be a better place and is willing to do the work to get it that way, and I can't help but feel proud when I watch it happen.
Not only celebrating a successful litigative career, and her movement towards dissent as the balance of the Supreme Court turns more towards the Conservative side, RBG serves as a how-to for a world that wants to enact change. Forget the endless marches and small petitions. Find specific examples that can highlight the wrongdoing and can be used to change the law. Do not be the vegan that calls meat-eaters "monsters". Do not be the keyboard warrior that attacks people online assuming "oppressed minorities" are offended by things. The way to win an argument is not to yell. Be better. Do not aim for the moon. Work for small changes that will create a precedent and build up over time.
She is the Notorious RBG. She balanced family and career. She has made an impact by improving equal rights in the United States. A must-see.
Originally posted on: http://djin.nz/Kr8042