Not only do most people just assume I am a huge Indigo Girls fan but they think my screen/trail/camp/stripper name was inspired by them. I do like them, a lot, but almost chose a different name so that people wouldn't make that assumption about me. Realizing that assumptions would be made no matter what was chosen, "true indigo" was chosen and it stays."Indigo Girls, huh? That's a dyke band," will assume many partially informed pseudo-musicophiles. Anyone with a good ear has to admit that they are more than just a couple of gals with ideas and guitars. It's those who can set aside their prejudices that will actually admit it.
Much of the society I am surrounded by is filled with attitudes, images and language that reinforce the opinion that women and all they have to offer is junk. Women have tried to get over, up and around this issue by proving themselves as individuals and as a whole to be not only up to par with the male gender but to exceed them in certain areas. A couple thousand of years of reinforced patriarchal ways are not quickly overcome so it is not infrequent that the girl band, woman's opinion or female created anything is disregarded before given real consideration.
Let it be known that I try to speak my mind when I see people around me being blatantly sexist. Sadly, I have held my tongue too often for the sake of keeping peace in social situations when I hear of mistrust of women in general. With close to 50 years perspective, I am at the point of realizing that it is more uncomfortable for me to stay quiet and be insulted than it is for me to speak up, run the risk of upsetting the group dynamic and call someone to task on their prejudices. The mouthy hag is rising; you have been warned.
So thank you Amy & Emily for singing your magic last evening. Surrounded by people who appreciate and support your work, most of them women, was empowering. Your music is so well crafted and your performance was beautiful. Thank you for reminding me of your aspects of Indigo.
