RBG: an abbreviation that initially suggests a mysterious file format. In fact, it stands for the feminist R.uth B.Vein Ginsburg. Your life will rightly be brought to the big screen twice this year.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the notorious 85-year-old judge at the US Supreme Court, has now achieved cult status worldwide. What other lawyer is an entire fan shop dedicated to merchandising? To this day she fights for equality and against sexism and at the same time she is one of the great style icons of our time. What a woman!
The two films "Die Berufung" (since yesterday in the cinema) and "RBG – A Life for Justice" (started in December) give us a fascinating insight into the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Especially today, in times of #metoo, it is not an exaggeration to say that as a living legend she has what it takes to be a role model for all of us.
What can we all learn from Ruth Bader Ginsburg?
1. Don't make yourself smaller than you actually are
Starting with her studies at Harvard as one of only nine women, RBG had to fight early to be able to live out her rights. There was a lack of fair lecturers and ladies' toilets, but RBG confidently claimed the place at the elite university, which she was regularly accused of wasting it as a woman.
2. You know where you want to go? Then don't let that stop you!
There is no doubt a lot that Ruth sets out to do early on. To change US legislation bit by bit so that no one is discriminated against based on gender. Women in the fire department? Men who care for their sick parents? In America in the 50s, things were still impossible. Until RBG dared to do something about these well-worn and outdated structures. Sometimes the impossible becomes possible if you do it right.
3. Even many (very) small steps lead to the goal at some point
It is only through their persistent, tenacious commitment that RBG has given America more liberality and freedom in more than 40 years and in endless debates and trials. Real, sustainable change sometimes just takes time.
4. Don't be afraid of headwinds
In the course of her work as a judge at the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg vehemently deviated from the prevailing majority with her opinion several times, for example on the subject of abortion or the death penalty. To contradict openly is difficult and exhausting. Nevertheless, we prefer to do the same as Ruth and say: "We dissent!"
5. Don't just live your life the way others would like it to
Hardly surprising: Bader Ginsburg has to hear more and more that she is too old to work as a judge at the Supreme Court and, as at the beginning of her career, it is mainly men who absolutely cannot get used to their self-confident and independent attitude. But to put it in her own words: “As long as I can still do the job, I'll do it too.” We like to cut a slice of this self-confidence!