There have been slights over the years which were infuriating at the time but I was able to rise above (“girls shouldn’t behave that way”), kick some ass and move on, but the one that sticks in my mind was from high school.
My senior year I wanted to take a shop class. I didn’t care if it was wood shop or metal shop. I wanted to learn something different. When it was time to make my class elective selection, I chose Wood Shop and submitted my request.
A week later the Principal called me down to his office to discuss my selections for my senior year. He approved all but one – Wood Shop.
He told me that I couldn’t take the class because I’d be too much of a distraction. He felt that I’d be better suited to take Home Economics for the 3rd time because “What girl doesn’t want to make a happy home for her husband?” And then he smiled at me. I didn't know what "Smarmy" meant back then, but I do now. It was a smarmy smile and I didn't like it.
I didn’t understand. I was angry and from that moment on I lost respect for that principal and the entire school system. There was no recourse for me. I was back in Home Economics. I couldn't sew but did well enough with the cooking and baking. Anybody can clean a house. I didn’t need to be taught that crap. Again.
I knew I would eventually get married, but what if I wanted to actually build my husband a home? What if I wanted to be able to make the furniture? Weld metal for the framing? Become a construction worker, carpenter, artist? Did he only see me as a potential "Housewife"?
These days I know I could take a night course in wood or metals, but that’s not the point.
Girls, women, ladies can do anything we put our minds to, not because we are female, but because we are human and humans are amazing creatures.
I do not let my gender be a hindrance in the eyes of the world. I fight for what I want and if challenged, I will exceed expectations to blow their doors off.
I am a force to be reckoned with.
ps - well behaved women rarely make history
