Let's face it, if you're a woman, you've probably been called "bossy" or "bitchy" before. But is it for the right reasons?
Women are often given such a demeaning title when they work hard or push for a leadership position, and it's rarely a compliment. But why? If men are praised for their work ethic and climbing the latter, then why aren't women?
This is called a double standard. "Double standard" basically translates as something that applies unfairly to different people, this case, men and women. Men aren't practically insulted for being strong, for being leaders, but women are. Sounds like a double standard to me.
So this is a message for all of those women who have received negative responses to their hard work; all the women who have ever been put down for doing what "only men" should do; all the women who know what it feels like to be compared to men constantly. You're not bossy, or bitchy, and you don't work too hard.
You are strong. You are brave. And you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to.
If you still don't believe me, read the following quote from Michelle Obama:
"When I was a girl, I had parents who loved me and believed in me. But those doubts still worked their way inside my head and my heart. I know there are voices that tell you that you're not good enough. That you have to look a certain way, act a certain way. If you speak up, you're too loud. If you step up to lead, you're being bossy. When things get hard, that's not always a sign that you're doing something wrong. It's often a sign that you're doing something right. I decided that I wasn't bossy, I was strong. I wasn't loud. I was a young woman with something important to say. I want you to work as hard as you can. Learn as much as you can."
If you look at where Michelle Obama is today, you might say that her mindset has helped her get there. That's why I shared this quote.
If you've ever been given a hurtful name or been a victim of this kind of sexism, don't let it stop you.
Michelle Obama didn't, so why should you?