Growing up a little girl I was taught to run slower than the boys. I was taught to not be as strong. I was taught to stay inside and to like dolls, rather than run and play. I was taught to be kind and sweet, while boys got to be loud and rough.
As I got older I was taught that my body was an object; something to be looked at and judged. I was taught to cover up to protect myself from prying eyes. I was taught that my body was a burden, a thing that had to please; instead of learning to embrace it, I was taught to perfect it.
As a teenager, I was taught to ignore the sexual assaults that I received in the hallways of my high school. I was taught not to fight back because the boys could not help themselves, and I might get hurt. I was taught that it was my fault, that I lead them on; by just being a girl. I was taught that what I wore was more important than my education.
Growing up a girl I was taught to walk with my headphones in, but keep them on low so I could still hear people around me. I was taught to walk with my eyes down and to never make eye contact with anyone. I was taught to ignore the demeaning catcalls I received on the street. I was taught to keep my head down and to disappear into the crowd. I was taught that it was safer to blend in, rather than express myself. I was taught that my safety was always at risk, and I was taught that that was normal.
I was taught that being a girl meant never feeling comfortable in my skin. To be a girl meant to always be changing, always having to improve something. I was taught that good was never enough and nothing was ever good enough. I was taught to strive for perfection in everything I do. I was taught to never give up, to never stop fighting; fighting for gender equality.
