Mary Magdalene stands as a testament to strength, devotion, faith, and transformation not only in the biblical narratives but also in modern feminist narratives. Her tale of deep love for Jesus Christ and his message, both during his life and after his resurrection, is a prime example of taking responsibility and supporting a beloved in all their forms.
While no one can parallel Mary Magdalene’s unique journey and the struggles she faced due to social constructs, there are individuals today whose struggles resonate with the values and challenges she faced. Leading our “Modern Day Mary Magdalenes” series, we turn our focus to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court Justice who embodied a tenacity and conviction that is rare to find. Joan Ruth Bader was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 15, 1933. Many girls in her school were also called Joan, so she decided to go by her middle name. Over the span of her illustrious career, Ginsburg championed the rights of the marginalized, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings in a predominantly male-dominated realm. Known for her incisive legal mind, her meticulous dissents, and her unwavering commitment to justice, Ginsburg became not just a beacon for gender equality but a symbol for all who aspire to effect meaningful change in society.
Her journey, not surprisingly, was neither simple nor easy. Facing discrimination firsthand, Ginsburg navigated the corridors of law with a determination that saw her rise to become one of the most influential figures on the Supreme Court. From advocating for women’s rights in the 1970s to her pivotal roles in landmark decisions, Ginsburg consistently stood her ground, championing the causes she deeply believed in.
In her dedication to justice and equality, Ginsburg’s journey mirrors the unyielding spirit of Mary Magdalene, a figure who — despite societal constraints — stood firm in her convictions. While the contexts of their struggles differ, both women faced systems that often sought to marginalize and silence them. Yet, they remained undeterred, becoming voices of truth and pillars of strength for many, and continued to find light in a cool dark place by walking resiliently on the path they had chosen for themselves.
As we explore the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and what she represented, Susan Grohmann’s portrayal of Mary Magdalene in her book offers a backdrop, reminding us of the timeless resilience of women who challenge the status quo and inspire generations to come.
Championing Women’s Rights Despite Academic and Professional Adversity
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s tenacity and brilliance were evident from the beginning of her academic journey. In an era where the professional domain was largely dominated by men, the prospect of a woman — especially one as formidable as Ginsburg — disrupted the status quo. At Harvard Law School, she was one of only nine women in a class of about 500 students. The environment was not just intimidating by numbers alone; it was underscored by a palpable undercurrent of skepticism about women’s place in the legal realm.
The Dean of Harvard Law famously asked the female students, including Ginsburg, how they could justify taking a spot that could have gone to a man. Such blatant skepticism towards women in professional settings wasn’t uncommon at the time, but it was particularly stinging in the hallowed halls of an institution that prided itself on intellectual rigor and fairness.
Balancing academic excellence with personal responsibilities was another herculean task. Ginsburg’s husband, Marty, was diagnosed with cancer during their time at Harvard. Not only did she take care of her young daughter and sick husband, but she also managed to attend her own classes and took notes for Marty, ensuring he didn’t fall behind.
Despite her unwavering commitment and academic prowess, Ginsburg encountered numerous rejections upon graduation. During that era, it was common for women to remain confined to domestic roles, with prevailing sentiments suggesting women weren’t as adept as men when it came to paid employment. Despite Ginsburg’s outstanding academic record upon graduating from law school, she was met with closed doors in the legal profession. This led her to take up a professorship at Rutgers University in New Jersey. When students expressed a desire for a course on the legal treatment of women, Ginsburg’s exploration unveiled several biases — for example, certain working mothers were denied health insurance benefits that were readily available to their male counterparts.
Moreover, during her tenure at Rutgers, Ginsburg discovered a stark wage disparity: she was earning less than her male counterparts. Upon digging deeper, she realized this inequity wasn’t isolated to her alone; other female professors faced the same bias. Unyielding, Ginsburg, along with her fellow female colleagues, championed the cause for equal pay — and triumphantly, the university conceded.
Yet, Ginsburg’s encounters with gender discrimination at Harvard and in the job market did not embitter her. Instead, they provided her with a firsthand perspective of the systemic biases women faced, further igniting Ginsburg’s passion to champion women’s rights. This lived experience, combined with her innate sense of justice, propelled her to champion gender equality. The adversities didn’t stifle her spirit; they channeled her energy into pioneering efforts to challenge and change the discriminatory legal landscape of the time.
In the 1970s, Ginsburg co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU, focusing on gender discrimination. Through a series of strategic lawsuits, she dismantled sexist laws and regulations piece by piece. Much like Mary Magdalene, who bore the responsibility of sharing the transformative message of Christ’s resurrection in a society that discounted women’s voices, Ginsburg highlighted and challenged the systemic biases entrenched in American law.
A Tenacious Supreme Court Justice:
RBG’s nomination to the Supreme Court in 1993 was a historic moment. Here, she continued her legacy of advocating for equality. One of her landmark decisions was in the United States v. Virginia case, which ended Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admissions policy. Her meticulous and fiery dissents, particularly on issues of gender equality and civil rights, earned her the title “Notorious RBG” and endeared her to a new generation of admirers.
Beyond the Courtroom: A Cultural Revolution Led by Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s impact transcended the realms of the legal profession. As her prolific work continued, she gained recognition not just as a jurist but as an emblem of change and resilience. The world took notice of Ginsburg’s unique sartorial choices, especially her collection of jabots, or collars, which she wore with her robes. Each collar had its own significance; for example, she had a specific collar she wore when delivering dissenting opinions, which soon became iconic in its own right.
But Ginsburg’s cultural footprint extended even further. Films like “On the Basis of Sex” and the documentary “RBG” delved into both her personal and professional life, casting a spotlight on her battles against gender discrimination and her enduring partnership with her husband, Marty Ginsburg. Books about her life and her legal battles filled shelves, and her quotes, speeches, and dissents were dissected in educational institutions and public discourses alike. Her story also graced the world of music; the opera “Scalia/Ginsburg” humorously portrayed her friendly rivalry with Justice Antonin Scalia, highlighting both the sharp intellectual clashes and deep mutual respect they shared.
Moreover, Ginsburg’s tenacity and eloquence made her a popular figure among younger generations. She was affectionately dubbed the “Notorious RBG,” a play on the famous rapper “Notorious B.I.G.” This nickname not only showcased her newfound popularity among youth but also signified her status as a relentless fighter for justice and equality, much like Mary Magdalene’s unwavering commitment to her beliefs amidst adversities. Through all these cultural manifestations, Ginsburg’s legacy as a barrier-breaking woman and a beacon of hope and strength became firmly etched in global consciousness.
The Legacy Continues:
Despite her passing, Ginsburg’s legacy endures. Her life’s work serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and conviction. It reminds us that, like Mary Magdalene, individuals can challenge and change age-old narratives. They can rewrite stories, reshape societies, and leave an indelible mark on history.
In reflecting on the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her relentless pursuit of justice and equality, we’re reminded of Susan Grohmann’s depiction of Mary Magdalene. Both women, separated by centuries and context, yet bound by an unyielding spirit, challenged the systems they were a part of. They not only bore witness to transformational truths but became instrumental in ushering in those very transformations.
As we celebrate the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we’re reminded of the many ‘Mary Magdalenes’ that walk among us — women of strength, determination, and unyielding faith in the face of adversity. They challenge us to listen, to learn, and most importantly, to act in order to achieve what we believe in.
Be sure to grab a copy of Susan Grohmann’s enlightening speculative fiction book on Mary Magdalene, now available on Amazon/Kindle, and join us next month as we explore another Modern Day Mary Magdalene!
