To all the young girls in society,

Since when was it okay to make a little girl objectify women through a plastic doll? To quote Aqua, “Life in plastic” does not seem so fantastic when equated with a glamorous pink outfit and artificial hair. Give a girl a pen, a purpose—anything but a plastic toy that completely disfigures the proportions of an actual woman.

Women's marches across the country took place last weekend to protest inequalities. Here's the real newsflash: women have been marching for years now in the armed services; but it’ll take a little more than 'camis' and combat boots to prove little girls have big voices.

The future women of America should be instilled with unfaltering confidence, not lower paychecks. I mean, women are even expected to register for the draft now. In perspective, some countries’ women are not as fortunate as we are, so it is important we appreciate the privileges we do have.

Having younger sisters myself, I notice how young girls are engendered by implicit societal standards – slowly accepting what adults are preaching on the news, television, and social media. Not only can this destroy a young girl’s confidence, but it can make her feel unimportant and incomparable to the boys in her class. She shouldn’t have to limit her views for the fear of censorship. I will always encourage my sisters to let their hair down and challenge the norm.

Children are our posterity, and it is so incredibly unfortunate that they are being raised in a world of hate, confusion, and sensitivity. It seems as if everyone is offended by something these days and even worse that these values are forced upon young girls. The youth of America is remarkably impressionable, and little girls have the right to be whatever they want to be—free of judgement and criticism.

So to the young girls who are or will someday read this, I hope you are taught to love yourself from the start. I encourage creativity, ingenuity, and opportunity. No girl should repress herself due to fear of acceptance. You should have a proclivity for authenticity—not perfection. Be strong, even if it means speaking up for a friend. Be optimistic; smile even when people point out your ‘flaws’. And most importantly, be candid, because false pretenses will obscure your originality.

You shouldn’t be afraid to face the world and head into the depths of society "guns blazin.’" More power to the little girl who yearns progress instead of pageants. But value what is most important, and do the things that make you the best you.

Smile without fault, speak without fear, and live to be happy—unapologetically happy.

Sincerely,

An Optimistic Female

"The views expressed , [in this article] reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”