When I was in the 7th grade a boy in my class asked everyone what we wanted to be when we grew up. My answer? President of the United States. Now believe me, I do not want that job. Truly ever. But then? I remember thinking I wanted to show that boy I could do anything. I could be anything in the world I set my mind to. (Which, I actually, still believe.)
No one will be surprised to hear he scoffed and then said, "You can't be President. Girls can't be President."
Tonight in the Democratic debate a question was asked of the candidates if they believe African Americans want an African American president so that people will see African Americans differently.
But I wondered why they didn't ask if women wanted the same thing too. As a woman, I am tired of making less money. I am tired of being the "lesser sex." I don't like that I have to be both smart and sexy -- but not too sexy. That I have to be cool, and not emotional when I work, but not angry. Nor maternal. If I interrupt I am unable to contain myself. If I raise my hand, I'm a good team player ("Good girl.") I am tired that more women in marriages are murdered then men. I am tired that girls are still not valued in some countries as much as boys. I am tired of being in a lesser class -- but seen as a ugly feminist if I voice that thought.
I don't know who will earn my vote for President in November. But I do know this -- that I want my daughter to grow up in a world, where not just her skin color, but what's between her legs will not determine what she can be when she grows up.
No one will be surprised to hear he scoffed and then said, "You can't be President. Girls can't be President."
Tonight in the Democratic debate a question was asked of the candidates if they believe African Americans want an African American president so that people will see African Americans differently.
But I wondered why they didn't ask if women wanted the same thing too. As a woman, I am tired of making less money. I am tired of being the "lesser sex." I don't like that I have to be both smart and sexy -- but not too sexy. That I have to be cool, and not emotional when I work, but not angry. Nor maternal. If I interrupt I am unable to contain myself. If I raise my hand, I'm a good team player ("Good girl.") I am tired that more women in marriages are murdered then men. I am tired that girls are still not valued in some countries as much as boys. I am tired of being in a lesser class -- but seen as a ugly feminist if I voice that thought.
I don't know who will earn my vote for President in November. But I do know this -- that I want my daughter to grow up in a world, where not just her skin color, but what's between her legs will not determine what she can be when she grows up.
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