You may not think of Alaskan Bush People as the best platform for progressive ideals, but you should remember that the Brown family is made up of real people with a lot more depth than could ever fit into a reality series.
The family’s youngest, Rain Brown, uses social media for a lot more than just delivering updates on her mom’s health and speaking about her battle with depression.
She also uses it to promote wonderful messages about making the world a better place. And she’s getting some well-deserved praise (and undeserved hate) for it.
Before posting her own miniature essay on equality in the captions, Rain posted an existing image that reads:
“I am a nasty woman because I believe in love, acceptance, equality, kindness, respect, and the power of my voice.”
Though Rain doesn’t say so herself, this quote was inspired by Ashley Judd who, at the Women’s March, recited a poem by 19-year-old Nina Donovan.
And, obviously, the “nasty woman” line was inspired by what Trump so infamously said about Hillary Clinton at the debates.
Instead of giving background on the quote contained within the image that she posted, Rain wrote in her own words about the importance of equality and what it means to her.
“Equality is SO important.”
A simple statement on its own, but very true.
“No one it’s better no matter their sexuality, skin color, or gender.”
Also true.
“We are all people, it’s so sad to me that we are living in 2017 and STILL we are not all treated equal, if you’re different, good!”
She’s such a sweet person. We have to wonder what brought on this topic, right?
She had previously improvised a song in which she joked about being better than the listener, but this was just her hitting back at trolls who fill her Instagram comments.
So … what prompted Rain to talk about equality?
We’re not sure, exactly.
But Rain does talk about how the issue of equality impacts her, personally.
“You actually had the power and strength to stand up for something, and something that is NEVER discussed in media is age equality.”
To be clear, she’s not equating ageism (which can impact the young and old, if in different ways) with slavery or anti-LGBT bigotry or anything like that.
But it’s a topic that, she’s right, doesn’t get talked about enough.
“Just because I’m 14 doesn’t make me less of a person then a 60 year old our time spent on this earth or how we spend it shouldn’t change the way people treat you.”
Rain Brown may be referring to her recently revealed battle with depression, which she says was dismissed off-handedly because of her youth.
(When, in fact, adolescents are more vulnerable to depression than most other groups; with symptoms exacerbated by hormones, a depressed teenager should get the counseling and medication that they need)
But Rain is not trying to make the message of equality all about her, of course. She’s just talking about how it relates to her, personally.
“For everyone out there that is sad or been bullied or lied to it happens to literally everyone.”
Unfortunately, that is true.
“So just don’t return the favor, basically what I’m getting to is, all my life I’ve wanted to change something and so many people tell me I can’t, but I already have, even if no one agrees with me I still made them think.”
She’s right — don’t get mistreated and then turn around and do it to someone else.
And it sounds like people don’t listen to her enough. Perhaps, because she’s the youngest, people can’t help but see her as a baby. But she’s not anymore.
“And I’m not about to let anyone make me give up on my dream, my mission is to spread love and light on this dark world, join me be strong and fierce but kind and compassionate to your neighbors, life is all about balance.”
So she’s not listening to trolls. Good.
Commenters were quick to praise the young Alaskan Bush People star for her stance.
“I liked you before this. Now I freaking love you Rainy!!!! Equality, respect, kindness, and acceptance are paramount in this world.”
Very well said!
“Your response is exactly what I would expect from a young women raised by an amazing mom. Thumbs up! I can only hope my 13 year old daughter learns your family values.”
Awww, a shout-out to Ami Brown while praising Rain! Cute.
“You are such an outstanding person.”
And there were many more positive comments.
There were, of course, some negative comments. Even though Rain is 14 and shared a positive message, some people just want to get into arguments.
“Equality, acceptance, all good, but Romans chapter 1, God says diffrent.”
We’re not going to get into an academic debate about Biblical passages, but … well, we’re pretty sure that Romans is attributed to Paul.
(Honestly, that’s beside the point, because adults have no business going into the comments of a 14-year-old’s post and starting theological arguments or arguments of any other kind. She’s a kid; be nice or get out)
“There is no such thing as equality. We are all different. Although well meaning ‘equality’ creates division. Males and females have different abilities on average and different races have different attributes. We must accept our differences and move on to be happy.”
So that one’s, like, straight-up racist, among other things. (The “different races have different attributes” line is fine if you’re talking about, like, elves or orcs … not real-life people)
“My advice is to listen to wise advice. ‘A Nasty woman’, is a nasty term from nasty feminists. I’ve always admired your mom for being a sweet lady, with so much faith, not a nasty woman.”
That last hateful comment is best read in Gollum’s voice.
We hope that Rain can set aside the hate, though.