Annmarie Throckmorton, M.A.
- Jan 18, 2019

The Burgundy Bathroom Walls Of Feminism

Feminism* began for me in the 1970s. I was just beginning to assemble what was then known as my "dress for success" work wardrobe and I noticed that a lot of the more established women were wearing the color burgundy, burgundy suits or perhaps a neutral color dress with burgundy accessories such as belt, purse, and heels. I began to budget for burgundy. However, shortly thereafter, I noticed that many bathroom walls, in government, education, and even some businesses, had been freshly painted an overwhelming shade of deep burgundy. This was very bold and in your face because in my experience before and subsequently, bathroom walls are usually white.

This coup by the custodial staff forced women to find other ways to signal that they were "professional" enough to command equal pay for equal work.

It was around that time I began doing volunteer work for various social and environmental causes. I was presentable, but I stopped caring what I wore, and I focused on what I could do.

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* Beginning of feminism. "Organized feminism did not really kick off until the first Women's Conference held in Seneca Falls, America, in 1848. To begin with, the Women's Movement evolved out of social reform groups such as the Abolition of Slavery, the Social Purity and Temperance movements." Source: feminism.eserver.org/theory/feminist/Womens-Movement

Note: the link to this website is broken, it says "Hmmm...can’t reach this page". This is 2019, so "hmmm", indeed.