Almost 100 years ago, “more than 8 million women across the U.S. voted in elections for the first time” (“19th Amendment”). Without women’s rights’ movements or suffragists, such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony, the world would be one-sided. Women would not vote. Women would not own land. Women would not earn salaries. Women would not live their normal lives, but only live in their dreams. But, luckily, the world isn’t one-sided, or else I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this article.
And socially, so much has changed within these almost-100 years. Women are emerging everywhere, sharing passionate ideas, and acting on them. Women are becoming something such as a threat: a positive influence on others who are now willing to listen. I admire these women who have it all put together just like the men do. Women are strong and fiesty, but beautiful.
However, I am drawn to the belief that there is still a sense of inferiority towards women.
I would describe myself as a very physically active woman, as I go to the gym four to five times a week. I come back from class, lace up my shoes, and find my way to the gym entrance. Once I have adequately stretched my muscles, I walk over to the free weights, anticipating my first set of bicep curls.
I look in the mirror at myself, and then to the people behind me. Most of them are men, which doesn’t surprise me. I look back at the weights and carefully choose the 15-pound dumbbells and walk over to a bench. As I lift each weight, I can feel eyes sizing me up, and I think to myself, “I know what I’m doing.”
But, do I actually know what I’m doing? Of course, I do, Tuesdays are my designated “arms” days. I finish my sets and look through the mirror again at the guys behind me. Yep, still watching me.
Maybe this is a stretch, but, I feel this way every time. I feel inferior. I feel as though the 19th Amendment disappears every time I step foot in a gym. I feel like I am expected not to know how to work the weight machines; or the opposite, I am expected to look like a fool trying to figure them out.
Well, I hate to break it to the world, but I know the correct mechanics of a perfect back squat. My personal record for a back squat is 160 pounds. And I know what it takes to build muscles. Sure, I can’t build them as quickly as men can, but if you give me some time, some effort, and some peace and quiet, I sure as hell can do it. Watch me.
Women are not man-haters and men are not woman-haters, although, I can attest that The Little Rascals might beg to differ on the latter. I am not a feminist, I am just standing up for what I believe in, and I believe in myself. I can handle myself, whether it be in or outside of the gym.
