There's a whole essay in me why I find it really disconcerting that a lot of female fans' immediate reaction to Lando's small, but very public act of support for a very controversial and important aspect of women's right is to immediately downplay it, and then discuss about how low standards are when it comes to men and how that sucks for women who are held to a higher standard.
Which is a fat load of bullshit that doesn't do anything to further women's right other than enable your own self-made misery and isolation. Like gurl, it's 2026. Hating men in the name of feminism is just so unc.
Also, I'm so fucking sick about being told as a woman that I am wrong about feeling something positive about men doing good, that I am somehow setting back feminism decades because of my simping of them.
So today, I'm not holding back.
I am really pleased that Lando Norris publicly showed support for abortion rights in Zara's post! That's really brave and admirable of him, and I hope that inspires others to do the same!
Has feminism died? No. Whew. Was scared for a moment.
To be clear, I'm not ignoring the reality that men's efforts overshadow those of women. It's unforunate, but it shouldn't be an excuse to mock genuine efforts of support. Please do not let the heartbreak of the past lead you to ungraciousness and cynicism. Past experience teaches us how to temper our expectations to avoid disappointment, not to project our disappoinments against those who are in the present and innocent of the crimes of the past.
No one's act of kindness or support deserves to be mocked and belittled, especially if it is from the heart.
I don't think people realize how huge and impactful it is that Lando Norris, the reigning World Driver's Champion, who in his championship journey defied all toxic hypermasculine stereotypes of what it takes to be a champion and WON, who endured countless taunts from those who think him too feminine, too gay, too soft, too emotional and never once diminished himself, made a very public act of support for access to Abortion Rights.
Abortion rights. Not just some vague glib PR bit on women and girl power. But FUCKING ABORTION RIGHTS. The most controversial of all aspects of women's right. The one right that puts a woman's choice above all else, even that of the word of God.
The bare minimum? What the heck. Being open and public about your stance on abortion has gotten many, many people killed, fired, shunned, attacked, and harassed, even in modern times. Please don't diminish their bravery and sacrifices so you could get that clout and flaunt your street cred in, idk, nonchalance?? It just shows you're an ignorant person unaware of risks other people other than you run into in support of their rights.
You also need to realize that Lando chose to like that post despite his racing team being owned by a country with very restrictive abortion rules, and he could be reprimanded or punished for it. That he also races in countries and cities that give women rights little rights, if at all, and can be quite violent in expressing their displeasure about support for women's right, especially abortion. With that little like, he has potential put a target on himself.
Bare fucking minimum my ass.
He could have just scrolled past. It would have been easy. But if he did, he wouldn't be the Lando we admired. So he stopped scrolling, and pressed that little heart. And showed the world that yes, he supports access to abortion rights.
This isnt me putting Lando on a pedestal, or making what he did more important than it is. I know he is human, full of flaws and hubris, but that's what makes him more endearing to me. That inspite of his imperfections, he strives to make the choice to do good and be a better person, even in adversity.
And in this era where misogyny is on the rise, it is so important that young men and boys have role models who support women's right to look up to. Too many ugly incel grifters out there. I'm glad we got a talented, cool gremlin driver on our side, who loves getting hugs and kisses from friends and family, who treats fans with kindness and consideration always.
Women's rights is under siege in a way it has not been for a long time. We need all the help we can get. And if that help comes in a form of a like from a twinky F1 driver who likes to defy expectations and grew up with love, with two sisters, a mom and two baby nieces he cares for, then I'll fucking take it.
