Wendy Murphy: Texas grad shows guts with unapproved speech

When Texas high school student Paxton Smith took the stage to give her valedictorian speech last week, she was worried about getting in trouble, not only for what she was about to say but also because school officials had not approved her speech.

To the contrary, the 18-year-old got approval for a speech about the harmful influence of media on young people, but then she changed her mind and secretly decided to use her three-minute platform to condemn a new Texas law that outlaws abortion six weeks after conception. Some call it the “heartbeat” law because it applies when the fetal heartbeat becomes audible. I call it the “enslavement of women” law because that’s what it does.

Much has been written about the powerful words Paxton used to explain why abortion rights are so important to women’s autonomy. But what struck me more was the way she embraced the power of subversive activism at an age when people barely understand — much less have the guts to challenge — the systems that control their lives.

It usually takes decades before young people become cynical enough to realize that obeying the rules can sometimes mean supporting their own suffering. Even then, few are brave enough to complain.

Paxton’s bold and celebrated speech was a powerful explanation of why women need and deserve 100% control over their bodies at all times, but it was equally important that she dared to give the speech at all, without getting permission. She knew she had to break the rules in order for her voice to be heard, yet she had no way of knowing what consequences would follow, or whether it would be worth it.

What Paxton did is what all great leaders do. They take risks, and they aren’t afraid to fail. If a woman like Paxton can be so brave in a state like Texas, just imagine how many more Paxtons there are just waiting for their chance to do the same thing — at a graduation, sporting event, workplace meeting, law school or medical school class, etc.

Barely an adult, Paxton Smith is already playing the game better than the adults around her, and young people everywhere are paying attention because Paxton’s story isn’t only about abortion, it’s also about the importance of being disobedient. She has inspired young women (and men) across America to think about all the ways they can evade the rules and have their voices heard on things they care about.

The creative genius of Paxton Smith is the epitome of effective activism, and it’s the shot in the arm women have needed for a very long time.

Hopefully Paxton will be smart enough not to join forces with establishment women’s groups, which haven’t been useful or effective for a very long time. With luck the old guard will simply celebrate Paxton Smith — then slither away. I for one will be looking for a way to buy stock in Paxton Smith’s future.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3ppETZr