We Are What We Believe
I know that most people believe that simply because it is 2014 that the gender bias is nonexistent. Well, that’s not the case. Though I’m fortunate enough to live in America, where equal opportunities are encouraged, it doesn’t necessarily mean everyone agrees.
I would bet that just about any girl in her twenties could tell you a story about a time she felt judged simply because of her gender. I’m a girl who loves sports, and I can sit back and debate baseball with the guys. But has my sports knowledge been underestimated simply because I’m a girl? Yes, it has. And has a guy completely ignored my opinion on something sports related or otherwise, just because I am a girl? Yes, they have.
Now although the blame can indeed be placed on the men in this society, it can equally be placed on the women.
Men, you all need to wake up and smell the roses. Anything you can do, we can do… better. However, ladies, you’re not all setting that example.
You allow what you tolerate. And unfortunately I see, too often, girls that tolerate being treated poorly. They are disrespected either by being cheated on, talked down to, or looked at as simply a piece to have. And in those cases, most girls do not speak up and defend themselves and their gender as a whole. Why is this? Self esteem is the first issue, and the second is because for so long women who speak up have been stereotyped as a “bitch.” Who’s fault is this? Society as a whole? Yes, partially. But why are we, as women, accepting such nonsense?
Women spend so much time bringing other women down, simply to raise their confidence level, and it’s disgusting. You would think that because all women share the same historical struggle that we would empower one another today, right? Instead women are judging each other by petty things; clothes, make-up, Instagram posts. It needs to stop.
What also needs to stop though is women’s need to feel accepted by a man. This comes from low self esteem issues from being judged by their peers. Do not subject yourself to be looked as as something less than an intelligent human being with equal rights. That means don’t post photos that may be mistaken as an ad for a porno site. You’re not doing yourself any good. You’re putting yourself in a position to be disrespected and seen as a pretty face rather than a beautiful mind and soul. You are worth so much more than you think, don’t strive to get attention based on sexual seduction, that’s cheap.
Respect yourself. Bottom line. If you don’t, no one else, women peers or men, will think they have to. Are you allowing yourself to be disrespected? If you are, it is never too late to make a statement and change it. You are only confined by the walls you build yourself, remember you also drive the bulldozer. Respect yourself enough to realize you have no restrictions, especially none based on gender.
Another thing that has to happen is women need to stop fearing names. The way I see it, a bitch is a female dog. A female dog is a loving, caring, independent, intelligent animal, who when messed with too much has the power and tools to bark or bite. So to some guys, because I speak up, I’m a bitch? Sure I am; because I am independent, loyal, and caring, but if you push me – I can promise you will be pushed right back. Go ahead, continue calling me a bitch. I dare you.
So to my fellow women of the world, start a chain reaction. Empower one another, examine what you tolerate, respect yourselves. Dare to stand up, dare to be loud, dare to be called a bitch. If we don’t allow for nonsense from one another, or from ourselves, men will get the message. We are what we believe. Men will have no choice to believe that we are equal and treat us as such, if we truly believe that ourselves.
Read more of Kristina’s Blog “…Might As Well Laugh”