1973

I was born in 1973.

I remember watching the cartoon Underdog and being genuinely concerned for our intrepid animated hero when Simon Barsinister swapped out all phone booths in the city with his evil “Phoney Booths” to hypnotize everyone to do his evil bidding. Seriously, the end of the episode when it looked like Underdog was going to destroy Sweet Polly really shook me.

While I never had one myself, I do recall the world losing their damn minds over dolls of babies that were born in a head of lettuce, or field of cabbages, or parcels of bok choy. Like I said I didn’t have one, so it never really landed for me. And I also remember the equally bizarre obsession with the parody of those dolls, as trading cards called Garbage Pail Kids. I didn’t quite know what to do with them, but they were all the rage.

Prior to OnDemand, DVDs or even VHS; watching certain shows and movies like “The Wizard of Oz” was an annual event. You planned everything around when it was broadcast, because there was no recording or rewinding.

We had a rotary phone, attached to the wall, and I remember being so excited when my parents got an extra long cord so I could finally reach my bedroom and could close the door to have some privacy when I was discussing important issues like seeing the latest video on MTV or sharing tips on how to use AquaNet to get your bangs even taller.

1973 is also when Roe v. Wade was passed, and whatever your personal opinion is regarding abortion, last week the Supreme Court took away women’s bodily autonomy. It is the only time in the history of our country that the Supreme Court has overturned a direct precedent to remove a previous right. #lookitup

There is so much right now that feels upside down in our world, but today in Illinois is Primary Elections and I want to encourage every person to take the time today to vote. If you live in another state, here is a link to find out when your Primary is held.

Our democracy depends on all of us speaking up and using our voice.

Don’t take anything for granted because as we have seen, even something that has been the rule of law for your entire life, can be taken away if we don’t speak up and say, “Enough!”