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Button

politics political Political participation Political issues Political organizations Political strategies Women's rights

round political button silver background with black text and image. Text: "Lotus Blossom Doesn't Live Here Anymore" Image: Lotus blossom drawn in black lines. Sticker on back is yellow with brown text reading "Insta-Button MFGD. by The Richmark Co. 1110 E Pine St. Seattle Wash. 98122." Lotus Blossom refers to a mainstream movie. This button was used in the Asian Women's movement in the 70's. Commemorates the Asian American Women's caucus to the 1977 Washington States Women's Conference in Ellensburg. Between 1972 and 1977 the United States was embroiled in debates over women's rights and the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. As a result of the these conversations and the United Nations Council designation of 1976 as International Women's Year the US Federal Government as mandated by Congress funded conferences in various US cities to garner support for the ERA. The Washington State conference occurred in Ellensburg between July 8-10 1977 with 4000 registered women and 2000 waiting to join in the conference proceedings. The conference covered many topics including caucuses of Asian American women. "Lotus Blossom" is in reference to a main stream movie that depicted stereotypic racist images of Asian women and. The caucus was from Seattle and organized by Maria Batayola Ticiang Diangsen and Sally Kuzama. They fought for women's rights in the Asian community.

Akemi Matsumoto

2008.016.001.017