Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

OK! Here I go again! Stepping on my soapbox before I walk, before I do Zumba, and before I get relaxed! I simply must get a few things off of my chest!

Here Goes!

Last night while rehearsing for the upcoming show for an organization I shall not name, I noticed something that disturbs me. Is it not the Twenty-first century in 2011? Do women really have equal rights? Well, if you watch the observations of some men, I dare say not!

During my rehearsal and the rehearsal of my best friend, we had lots of bright lights in our eyes. No problem. We have to get accustomed to the bright lights if we are on stage. After our rehearsal, I noticed that every time a male talent got on stage to perform the flash of a camera was an additional light. No problem. I felt certain that women would get their fair share. The scenario continued. Each time a woman performed, no flash. Each time a male performed — FLASH!

Since I am a member of several non-profit organizations, and the editor to a few, I know a lot about the political structure and how favoritism exists. Nevertheless, the more I observed this action, the more offended I became.

My husband noticed, so he inquired. While it is true I do not like to be photographed, I still believe in the rights of women to be treated equally. A few minutes later, a tap on my shoulder and a suggestion that ‘he didn’t mean to offend me.’ I wasn’t offended – just curious as to WHY only men were being photographed.

Looks like the squeaky wheel gets the oil — AGAIN! When rehearsals were over, all the ‘women who wanted to be photographed,’ and ‘those who didn’t get their photograph taken,’ were requested to approach the stage. Of course, my friend and I approached.

Today, in the mail I received another incident of how we women are still not considered the equal. A publication from one of the non-profit organizations I am a member of arrived in the mail. Flipping thru the mail, I almost trashed it thinking it was another unsolicited piece of junk mail. It wasn’t! This publication has been soliciting this format for at least over one year now. This is the first time in many months that I’ve actually taken the time to read it, since it is so small it screams out to me, ‘another piece of junk mail. I’m so small I’m not important!’ The MALE version of this organization publishes a magazine format magazine. Such a subliminal message! Just when will the world recognize ALL PEOPLE ARE EQUAL, REGARDLESS OF RACE, SEX, GENDER, RELIGION AND ON AND ON.

Off my soapbox and back to work — writing! Stay tuned!