For permission or reproduction for this image, use the photographic application and guidelines here.

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 4,000 registered women and 2,000 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.

2008.016.001.017