Since Donald Trump’s reelection as the 47th president of the United States on Tuesday, Nov. 5 there has been a rise in sexist and abusive attacks towards women that have been posted across social media. Stirring the harmful rhetoric is Nick Fuentes, a far-right political influencer who made multiple posts on X stating, “Your body, my choice,” and “get back to the kitchen.” The post was made in reference to the abortion and general women’s healthcare policies that have been in jeopardy within the United States over the last few years. According to CNN, Fuentes’ X post collected more than 35,000 reposts and gained 90 million views within roughly ten days.
Fuentes is a far-right political figure and streamer who promotes white supremacy, antisemitic and misogynistic views. Being a streamer for several years, he has been known for his hateful remarks against women. In 2022, his YouTube account was permanently terminated due to violating YouTube’s ‘hate speech policy.’ Actions affirming Fuentes’ statements have made their way to college campuses, particularly in states like Texas, in the form of protest.
While this rhetoric is primarily translated on social media, how is it being interpreted by women across the country? Furthermore, how could it impact college-aged women?
The slogan is a rejection of women’s bodily autonomy. One may think that it’s just a mockery of the “my body, my choice” movement or a celebration of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but the saying could imply a second, underlying meaning: threats of sexual assault.
Women across the country have resorted to posting their stories to social media platforms, expressing their concern and fear for what could come along with these new policies, including more open and direct hatred towards women.
In response to the influx of laws and regulations targeting women’s reproductive rights, several organizations have dedicated themselves to fighting to reverse these policies. Among these is The Center for Reproductive Rights. Their website states, “The Center for Reproductive Rights uses the power of law to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights around the world.” They work with attorneys to ensure that contraceptives such as birth control and combat laws limiting abortion options available to those that may require them.
Meanwhile, initiatives like Abortion Out Loud focus on student action across college campuses. They provide aid to students who are looking to organize events and campaigns to assist in the accessibility of reproductive options.
As this rhetoric continues to spread across college campuses and social media the harm to women is increasing. The slogan “Your body, my choice” is not just advocating for the restriction of women’s reproductive rights but implying pro-sexual assault sentiments. It is not just up to women to stand up for themselves and protect one another. Anyone who sees this slogan or message should recognize the danger and refuse to spread it. Women can’t fight this on our own.
