JORDADDY
Man, I feel like a women?6/22/2018 "Wait, wait, you're telling me you moved here on your own at 18?" "yeah I did, just over a year ago now." "your parents aren't here?" "no, just me." "Oh c'mon, you must have come with a boy or followed one here." "no, I came here on my own.". This was a conversation I had with an acquaintance the other day. While occasionally I do run into shock when I tell people I moved here on my own this was the one of the many encounters I've had where the conversation trails as to find out who was supporting me. Why must I had "followed" a boy here? Why can't people grasp the fact that I, a young, independent 19 year old girl am able to fully support myself.
Nearly everyday I watch young womens accomplishments be diminished by simple comments coming from men questioning their ability to be more that just a pretty face. While obviously there are many amazing guys and not all men are like this I can't help but want to fight against the ones that are. I didn't open my laptop today with the intention of writing a cliche feminist post but this is something that gets on my nerves everyday because you know what sir? "You look much prettier when you smile." is not an appropriate greeting. I work with and know so many amazing women that work hard everyday. They have gotten where they are because of themselves and the prerogative they possess. I look up to so many incredible women as leaders and yet in everyday society we are still treated as less by a certain strain of men that carry some very outdated views. As if these men have the right to insert their demeaning opinions or statements and we should just laugh it off and give them a look at that pretty smile. Without even covering the topic of being stalked, grabbed, catcalled or cornered in public places women are continually put down by the lack of faith or belief that we can live successfully while being independent. So many times I, and other girls are talked to as if we in no way occupy the brain capacity to handle specific topics or concepts. I'm not saying we know everything (your wife or mom will probably disagree) but I hate the arrogance of assuming we do not have the mind span for certain information. Before I moved I was naive in thinking misogyny was not common to experience or witness. As a young girl living as an independent I've realized misogyny is something you will face on a daily basis from not only men but also women. While women vs. women is a topic I'll save for another day I really just want everyone to not make assumptions based on how I and other women dress, talk and how we do our hair and makeup in the morning. We are ALL humans and we ALL are capable of doing whatever we work on so please drop the whole "Oh you need to find a handsome boyfriend to take care of you" comments. I don't want a handsome boyfriend to take care of me I want a handsome boyfriend to be my equal and split the work with me. Anyone and everyone needs help sometimes but that doesn't mean we are unable to take care of ourselves. Asking for help is necessary but just because I can't always reach the top shelf doesn't mean I can't pay my bills, drive my car, work my full time job OR move to Las Vegas at 18 by myself. We are equals and I would never tell or imply to anyone that they are incapable of doing something by themselves. -Jorden p.s to my 2 guy roommates (That I don't think read these) and my many amazing friends that are guys, I love you, you're amazing. Thank you for reaching the shelves I cannot and also for teaching me how to change car tires or explaining American football. Also thank you to my dad for teaching me that I am capable of doing anything, from playing hockey to mudding walls I owe you a lot. But most of all thank you to all the men in my life for doing all these things and still treating me like someone with competence.
1 Comment
Monica
6/24/2018 11:07:58 pm
I love the young woman you are blossoming into. I admire your bravery with moving here on your own, your integrity when I worked with you and your silliness, for the times you knew how to have fun. The road ahead will be hard, but you will learn so much more about it and yourself, and will regret nothing. I wish nothing but the best for you and your future adventures! Love you Jordan!!!
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