By Barbara Falconer Newhall
So sad. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the glorious, notorious RBG has died at the age of 87. I’ll miss her elfin, whip-smart, lovable presence on the Supreme Court — and on the pop culture scene.
In her memory I’ve already ordered up some RBG memorabilia. First, a kid’s book to be sent to my granddaughters. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley.
And for me, a stylish RBG mug, while supplies last.
At 4 and 1, my granddaughters are not too young for RBG fandom, imo. I’m hoping they’ll feel about her the way my daughter felt about the Little Mermaid when she was a kid: deeply.
I’d like RBG to become an indelible part of their small psyches. Why?
Because she was a smart, successful woman?
Because she was a justice of the Supreme Court?
Because she knew how to be friends with a justice — Antonin Scalia — whose legal outlook she did not share?
Because she stuck up for women’s rights?
Because she used her razor sharp wit to oppose the crippling of the 1965 Voting Rights Act? (It was “like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.”)
Yes. All of that.
I’d like my little granddaughters to revere RBG because she was smart, compassionate, principled and accomplished. But most of all I’d like them to treasure her because she was a rock star and she was old.
I hope my granddaughters can look forward to a life like Ginsburg’s — a rich, productive youth and middle age, followed by a few good years of fun, smart, lovable and old.
Because it ain’t over till it’s over.
More on that getting older thing at “I’m 78 and I Still Have a Lot of Living to Do.” Also, “Wisdom From My Father — Or, How to Sweep the Kitchen Floor.” And here’s a story from the pre-RBG days, before many of the rights women take for granted these days were clarified under the law: “Unmarried and Pregnant in Mid-Century America.”
Love the mug. I cherish my teeny-tiny RGB action figure, given to me by my stepson, Josh. She was a handy prop one day when I had to bring in something to describe for my French class (Elle est tres intelligent!) But I just like looking up at her, perched on a three-dimensional art piece, keeping watch over our living room conversation.
I didn’t expect to be as sad as I was at losing RBG. She claimed not to have a sense of humor, but I thought she was delightful, as well as smart. Also, watching the documentary again last night on TV, I noticed that she thought it was important not to insult/shout at your opponents. Something we could all keep in mind if the United States is to stay United.
Very nice tribute. I’m putting the RBG children’s book on our wishlist for my daughter’s Texas relatives to check out during Christmas!
There are several children’s books about RBG. I did not have time to see what’s inside any of them. But I did like the kid on the cover of this one.
Great idea, Barbara. Where did you get the mug?
Jan, Look above for the link in the caption under the mug. It will take you to a Huffington Post story recommending 15 RBG gifts. The mug is one of them. When I ordered mine, the website said the mug was “in production,” or words to that effect. So… it might take a while to get this one, if ever. We’ll see.
To make it easy, here’s the link. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/15-rbg-gifts-for-ruth-bader-ginsburg-fans_l_5c802264e4b0e62f69e960b9