The problem with being a woman
A list I created when I read this quote by Shirley Chisolm:
The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says: It’s a girl.
Stigma to be a lady in public but a freak in private
Too overtly emotional or needy (maybe you are just insensitive)
Clothing (or lack thereof) as a reason to disrespect or excuse for rape. (MOST times doesn’t matter whether clothes are sleezy or ‘inappropriate’)
Assumed nurtures or caretakers, when often times the nurturing is not returned
Our independence as an excuse for neglect from boyfriends or husbands
Accepting men for who they are is often interpreted as putting up with their bullshit instead of not judging their growth
Unfair sexual standards (having to hide how many sexual partners you have had, while it is socially acceptable for men to have sex with any and every thing)
Body image (if you don’t have a perfect body or face, you can be replaced. Men can look like shit and have their choice of a woman)
The word ‘bitch’ deemed as an acceptable title for women
Not being protected by our men (esp. if the woman is deemed a ho or crazy)
Bonding with Camille. This is one of the first times I felt her kick.
On my pregnancy
I am 23 weeks into motherhood and I am still shocked by this discovery. The first ultrasound confirming the conception of our baby brought me to tears, screaming “YOU WILL BE A MOTHER!” As a teacher, I have always seen other children grow and develop but to witness my own is a surreal experience for me.
When it was confirmed that I was having a little girl, I cried yet again. The primary reason was because I wasn’t sure if I could handle her. I don’t want her to experience some of the opposition and limitations that are placed on being a girl. I don’t want her to not feel pretty because a boy doesn’t like her, to be called a name because she chose to wear makeup or clothes that fit her body, or being placed into a mold of what a girl is. These are things I have no control over and I accept that.
I will remember that I WAS CHOSEN. Her birth will be confirmation that I am truly a goddess, Auset resurrected.
15 weeks (in Goddess mode)
I’ve always met more discrimination being a woman than being black.
Shirley Chisholm
One is not born a woman, one becomes one.
