The Conscious Clipper

In every lifetime, there are precious few individuals who qualify as true heroes. Displaying strength of character, determination of spirit, and integrity of person, these people work for the betterment of all society, often at a high cost to themselves. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one such of these heroes

.

Ginsburg, born in Brooklyn, New York in 1933, began making changes long before the world knew her name. A lover of opera, reading, and baton twirling, Ginsburg never limited herself by the expectations of her society. Writing passionate pieces about the founding of the nation in her middle school newspaper, Ginsburg was vocal, eloquent, and passionate from the very beginning.

Even now, referring to the Justice using the past-tense ‘was’ feels inaccurate; Ruth Bader Ginsburg is.

She is an indelible beacon of light and justice in a time when darkness has seeped into the cracks of our democracy. She is a symbol of gender equality and religious tolerance, and a fighter for the rights of all people. She is a reminder that even the most stoic and serious among us can have a fabulous time at the opera.

For so many reasons, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an inspiration. But to me specifically, the Notorious RBG is proof that gentleness is not weakness, that grace is just as powerful as might—if not more so.

She is a hero who swapped cape for the iconic jade earrings and diamond necklace to fight her way from unwanted law student to world-renowned justice. From her life, the greatest takeaway may be the proof of what each of us can accomplish with our brief time on earth—if only we have the bravery to persevere past our limits, whether imposed by ourselves or our society.

That was the superhuman element of RBG; she made mistakes, she lost cases, she couldn’t cook to save her life, but she never stopped working.

Though she has dissented her last case, the calm, steady, and brilliant hand of Ruth Bader Ginsburg will continue to guide us well into the future. In the coming months, we must continue the work where she left off, crafting a future that is vibrant and livable for all—while dressed to the nines, of course.

RBG is with us still. But wherever her spirit is headed next, I know that the opera will be incredible.

The Conscious Clipper is written by Rose Hansen

October, 2020