“I’m just grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
I’m all for gratitude, it’s one of my core values, BUT for us women in particular, it’s also an interpretation for you should just be grateful you were given the opportunity or shut up and put up. My answer to this is no thanks, because I’m yet to see a male (and in some instances, white women) beg for the opportunity, work twice as hard, and then express their gratitude. It just doesn’t happen. Basically, we’re constantly being short-changed.
Let’s face it, society has a place for women and they begin to feel extremely uncomfortable when strong and empowered women begin to speak out. This very quickly becomes a threat to many men (and some women). These women are then described as the problem; too demanding, too needy, too emotional, or the troublemakers.
This society likes (and prefers) “good” and adjustable women. They like to see these women put up with emotional and verbal abuse. The ideal woman needs to be pretty, nice, quiet, subservient, and agreeable. We find ourselves here for two reasons: one, we’re not fighting for our own rights, and two, men are not supporting and respecting us. And that is because different rules apply to different genders. We live in a world where a man that follows an account of naked women and uses prostitutes truly believes women aren’t deserving of any respect. They think they’re “better” than those women. Hypocrisy much?!
Women shouldn’t have to demand or beg for respect, opportunity, and equality (yes, all three), but yet here we are. Let’s commit to changing that today. Whether it’s demanding equal opportunities and pay, or for the freedom to make our own life decisions, or maybe it’s to be treated right in relationships, just demand for better.
And listen, don’t remain in the illusion that someone is going to come over to you and say, “Here, have this, because you deserve better”. No, that won’t happen. Also, don’t just complain and have expectations that someone will solve inequality for you, as you also need to take accountability. You will have to demand and create your own better. You will have to teach people how to treat you. Don’t accept anything less than you deserve (and yes, you DO deserve better).
All in the name of social conditioning, we have expected and accepted less for far too long. We’ve been conditioned to rationalise and compromise on all things we should have a right to (me included). Starting today, demand what is owed to you. Truth be told, I literally have no more patience nor tolerance for this bullsh*t any longer, and you shouldn’t either. Let’s break this toxic cycle, together.
*All views expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.