Why I Am Tired Of Being A Woman | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why I Am Tired Of Being A Woman

All the things people never realize we go through

1194
Why I Am Tired Of Being A Woman

I’m tired.

I’m tired of my mom telling me my shorts are too short.

I’m tired of the double standards.

I’m tired of it all.

It all started in the fifth grade when we talked about puberty. Boys and girls separated, of course, because god forbid men heard the word vagina at that age. I mean we all already learned about sex from our friends while riding the bus anyway. We were separated which meant we were different.

And then middle school started and the dress code kicked in. We sat in assemblies about appropriate behavior at school, but the boys got to leave early while the girls sat and got to hear for the umpteenth time how our shorts needed to be down to our fingertips and our tank-tops had to be three fingers wide, because shoulders are oh so scandalous. I can’t even begin to describe how many girls were sent home for not meeting these requirements in 80 degree weather while sitting in a hot school with no air conditioning. The dress code was more important than their education, but guys could walk around in t-shirts commonly known as wife beaters without a problem.

And by high school everyone was having sex and hooking up and hanging out and whatever else and you were either a prude because you wanted to wait for it to be special or a slut because you wanted to do what felt right and there was really no in between.

The point being girls are taught to cover up, but what are boys taught? That we should change in order to not disrupt their learning? Now don’t get me wrong. I am not trying to insult the whole male species right now, I’m just trying to prove a point – the point being that women have their own set of rules that are downright ridiculous.

I’m so tired. Tired of being taught to watch my back and look over my shoulder when I’m alone because people are “crazy” and you never know what they are going to do. But how else am I supposed to act? I’m a small girl standing at just 5’4 and although I think I’m pretty strong I know I’m no match for a larger man or even a larger woman at that. Even though I don’t understand it and I think it is completely absurd that is what I’ve done my whole life.

Take the recent case at Stanford. This man – if you can even call him that – raped a woman with barley any consequence, so how am I – a college aged woman – supposed to act? That could have easily been me. Clearly I am mad, disappointed and upset by this case. I don’t even know what to say really other than why? Why, why, why, why, why? Why is this the world we live in?

Why are men still paid higher than women who have the same qualifications and perform the same duties? I’ve seen my mom work in “a man’s world” my entire life and it took that entire time for her to work her way up and receive the pay of her male peers. As the boss, her employees sometimes see her as bossy or bitchy, but if a male were in her position he would simply be seen as doing his job.

So I’m tired of being a woman. I’m done living in fear that my short shorts send a subliminal message that I’m ready and eager to have sex. I’m done worrying that every guy on the street is out to get me, because that is what I’ve been taught to think. I am done with the stereotypes that come with being a woman. I am strong, both physically and mentally. I have accomplished so much already in my short life and I refuse to down play those accomplishments just to make it seem like I’m not bragging.

I am ready to live in a world where a man is treated like my equal, because that is exactly what it is.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

22960
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9592
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6930
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments