Copyright © 2003-2011, Aishah Schwartz. Permission granted to circulate among private individuals, groups, or in not-for-profit publications in full text and subject title. All other rights reserved.

December 21, 2016

Pantsuit Nation book: divisions and the audacity to hope

The pantsuit has become the Democratic candidate's unofficial symbol. David Maris/Univision


It was Tuesday evening when I first became aware of the buzz surrounding Maine native Libby Chamberlain's announcement that she intends to publish a book based on the collaborative contributions of the nearly 4-million member strong secret Facebook group, Pantsuit Nation, founded by Chamberlain during the 2016 election campaign.

This morning I Googled Pantsuit Nation, clicked on the news tab, and was stunned to find how widespread backlash over the book announcement had spread overnight.

The listing of articles with inflammatory titles proclaimed: "Pantsuit Nation members revolt after operator cashes in with book deal" - "The [secret] Pantsuit Nation Facebook Group Is Being Turned Into a Book" - (As published) "DELETE YOUR ACCOUNT Pantsuit Nation Is the Worst: Why a Book of Uplifting Facebook Posts Won't Heal America" - "Pantsuit Nation Is A Sham" - "Revolt in Pantsuit Nation!"

I don't need to copy and paste quotes from articles that you can, and should, read for yourselves to be able to state that, clearly the divide that engulfed our nation throughout the election campaign — infecting even those who rallied together in support of one another — rages on.

Personally, I sincerely hope that Chamberlain will take the time to read these post-book-announcement articles too, and not just those supporting her endeavor.

If Chamberlain can push past the admitted pain and disappointment evoked by the onslaught of negative commentary, noting relevant points from the articles and taking sufficient time to evaluate the merits — both pro and con — perhaps we can hold onto the hope that the end product will ultimately serve the greater good.