18 Things I Would Rather Be Called Than A Lady | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

18 Things I Would Rather Be Called Than A Lady

There are things I would rather be than a stereotype.

37
18 Things I Would Rather Be Called Than A Lady
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-Eleanor Roosevelt

The word "lady" is not used as widely as it used to be. When I hear the world lady, I picture a stereotypical 1950's housewife. The woman whose hair was always done. Trotting around with her dress and heels, doing housework and cooking. The stereotypical housewife,however, is almost something of the past ever since the mid1970's with the introduction of the working woman. Within the last 40 years, women have made leaps and bounds. The fight will not be complete until there is gender equality across the broad.

Though this sounds like my feminist rant, which there is nothing wrong with,that is not my main point here. I have been fixated on the word lady. What is means? What it meant to be in the past? What it means to "be a lady" now? Is that phrase still relevant? If it is still relevant, how could it be a positive phrase instead of another negative connotation used to bash each other any chance we get. I intend to try to answer these questions in the weeks/months to come. At this time, I want to mention 20 other descriptions I would rather be called than a lady.

1. Respectable

Respect is earned not demanded, however it is a quality I hold with pride. Respect is essentially an admiration for someone dependent upon ones abilities or qualities. I don't want to be qualified by my gender when I earned a college degree and am capable of a multitude of things.

2. Honest

Honesty is something we need more of in this world. Honest, much like common sense, has disappeared by the way side. Honesty is a trait everyone should hold near and dear to their hearts. You would not want someone to lie to you, so why lie to others? Being known as an honest person says a great deal about someones character. I would much rather prefer someone be able to identify that I am a honest person rather than a lady.

3. Independent

Probably one of the most important traits to myself. The misconception of being a lady leads to the image of a rather submissive lifestyle. A life endowed to the father or husband. I'm not about that at all. I refuse and rebuke that image. I am my own person and I will be damned if someone thinks I am not. My entire life I have strived for being self-sufficient and independent. I want to be able to figure life out on my own. I am not saying I will not have help nor that I will accept help, but being independent matters more to me than the classification of a lady.

4. Responsible

We are broken in at a young age of responsibilities such as chores, managing cars, bills, and hygiene. Being responsible not only illustrates that others can depend on you, but that you are skilled enough to be able to manage what is required of you.

5. Intelligent

I pride myself on my intellectual capabilities as I am sure many others do. Intelligences is a trait that we all in some way have. Some people are intelligent in a multitude of categories whilst others pride themselves on one or two attributes. Whether it is one area or 65, intelligence is something I value more over a stereotype.

6. Opinionated

Anyone that knows me well knows that I will tell you my opinion in a heartbeat if asked. I am not saying that my opinion is the only one that matters, because it is simply not true. I firmly believe that this world needs free flowing opinions. Opinions allow us to think. If you don't have opinions you aren't thinking hard enough. I am not saying you have to have an opinion on every single matter because one would go mad and probably be instituted if that were the case.

7. Witty

This characteristic blends in with the last a tad. Witty by definition is "quick and inventive verbal humor". I'm calling all my sarcastic women right now! A healthy dose of sarcasm is not only acceptable but I see necessary. Being witty not only stems off of your capability to think on your feet at a accelerated rate but also branches off of your creativity. Wit is essentally two traits in one, humor and creativity. A two for one or a BOGO sale, whichever way you view it, being witty is a title I am proud to have.

8. Mindful

This a term I am relatively new to. I was introduced to this trait by my first semester Anatomy and Physiology teacher. Mindfulness is defined as "a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique." This is not a trait acquired over night. This is a trait that has to be worked at and is not the easiest. Mindfulness is split into two divisions. The first of which is yourself. Being aware of your body, your actions, your words. Being present as often as you can. This sounds a little self conscious but without the negative affects. Just noting your breathing patterns is important. This can aid with anxiety or any other adverse behaviors. There are a wide array of videos on Youtube that can walk you through mediations, sleeping aids, and so on.

The other part is, well, others. Being aware of body language, predicting their feelings and or actions to a situation, and their actual responses are crucial for any field, any job, any life experience. Even though some of us don't like to interact with other humans, being aware and able to decipher these things about others or ourselves is critical and worth more than a stereotype.

9. Well-Read

This one is a rather simple task. Stay informed about what is taking place in your bubble and even outside your bubble. It is important to branch your knowledge past formal education. This world is a vast library, so read it.

10. Inquisitive

Inquisitive is a side effect of wanting to learn. One of the most common pieces of my academic career has been if you don't understand something ask. If you want to learn more, ask questions. It is as simple as that.

11. Considerate

Another common sense trait and something we need more of in this world. You don't know what the classmate sitting next to you has gone through and you don't know how they may react. This does not mean walk on egg shells, I am simply saying be considerate. Be kind and spread love. I would much rather be known as a compassionate and loving person than prim and proper.

12. Learner

I may be repeating myself but as a left brained person, learning is critical. I love learning. I love expanding my world outside of my microscopic bubble.That does not mean that I love academia cause at this point it may cause more harm than good. I feel that one of the greatest things you can be in this world is a learner. That is why books, documentaries, and most importantly Google exists, to provide resources in order for us to learn.

13. Traveler

Even though I am currently writing in an airport with a three hour delayed flight, I have an unrequited love to travel. In this world, I want to gain as many experiences as I can. One of the best ways to do it, travel. Go places. Get out of your comfort zone. See how other cultures function. How people act. I would rather have the title of traveler than a stereotype.

14. Determined

Setting your mind to something and running with it. Devotion to get something done and getting it done because you are devoted to the task not because you just want the task to be over.

15.Thorough

Teachers always warn you in school that even if you get your work done fast, or you turn your test in first, doesn't mean that you are smarter or got a higher grade. In most cases it turns out to be the opposite.Being through, checking and correcting mistakes. Being thorough takes patience. You have to be willing to take the time to be introspective, to learn from past occurrences.

16. Creator

Being creative I think is one of the best gifts we have been given in this life. Knowing that you are making something that is going to impact another person, even if it is just one person, is an undescribable feeling. That is why I write. I write to create. I write to share. I write to advise. I write to connect. Creating whether it is art, music, writing, a business; creating brings us together. I would rather by creative acts be attributed to me than an outdated stereotype.

17. Activist

We all have a cause we stand up for. We all have that one subject that just sets a fire in us. Stand up for what you believe. Whether it be gender equality, marriage equality, guns, health, education, diseases, research, for cartoons to be on unlimited reruns, you name it! If it is a passion of yours, stand up, speak up.

18. Leader

The thing that bothers me the most about this outdated stereotype is the chains keeping a woman in this bubble where she has to dress and act a certain way. A woman couldn't speak up. She couldn't advance anywhere. That is not the case now and I pray that I NEVER see a time where society reverts back to that. I was born to lead. In some way, shape, or form. Women are built to lead. I firmly believe it.

I believe there are so many other things I can be other than a lady. At least a lady based of the old, tired, worn-out stereotype. I am sick of stereotypes. Stereotypes lead to prejudice and the last thing this world needs is more prejudice. Welcome to 2017, the year to spread kindness and love and stop hate and inequality.





Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
singing
Cambio

Singing is something I do all day, every day. It doesn't matter where I am or who's around. If I feel like singing, I'm going to. It's probably annoying sometimes, but I don't care -- I love to sing! If I'm not singing, I'm probably humming, sometimes without even realizing it. So as someone who loves to sing, these are some of the feelings and thoughts I have probably almost every day.

Keep Reading...Show less
success
Degrassi.Wikia

Being a college student is one of the most difficult task known to man. Being able to balance your school life, work life and even a social life is a task of greatness. Here's an ode to some of the small victories that mean a lot to us college students.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

6 Signs You're A Workaholic

Becuase of all things to be addicted to, you're addicted to making money.

375
workaholic
kaboompics

After turning 16, our parents start to push us to get a job and take on some responsibility. We start to make our own money in order to fund the fun we intend on having throughout the year. But what happens when you've officially become so obsessed with making money that you can't even remember the last day you had off? You, my friend, have become a workaholic. Being a workaholic can be both good and bad. It shows dedication to your job and the desire to save money. It also shows that you don't have a great work-life balance. Here are the signs of becoming a workaholic.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Life Lessons For The Camp Counselor
madison miller

Spending five, 10 or even more weeks in the outdoors leading elementary to high school aged kids for a week at a time is unique, to say the least. You see things in yourself you didn't think were there and experience emotions you can not explain. What you learn is valuable for more than just camp, but extends to life after the summer.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Things You Can Get Away With Now That You're At College

83% of my trends in college would have been shamed in high school.

1909
college life
Google Images

Transitioning from high school to college can be a stressful experience, especially if you're like me and hate change. Over the past two years I've realized there's many things I couldn't get away with in High School that are typically applauded in college.

1. Eat

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments