All my life, I have been called bossy, always as an insult. I have watched those around me, most notably women, be berated using this term that has such a lashing, negative connotation. As a woman, my leadership skills, powerful opinions, and my unwillingness to falter under peer pressure in arguments are frowned upon, but they shouldn't be. My education and abilities should not intimidate you to the point where you feel the need to lash out at me. Maybe you think I'm bossy, but at least I'm not insecure.
Bossy, bitchy, opinionated; they're all the same. They all have negative connotations that strangle passion out of women. The constant oppression of our desire to succeed and be heard in the world needs to stop. Not only do those who judge these women for their actions and thoughts need to stop, women who are considering themselves bossy in a negative light also need to stop now. Own your passions and beliefs. Own your opinions and desire to lead. Do not let others shut you down because they are afraid of your success or intimidated by your ability to be a leader.
I am a boss. I'm sorry if you are intimidated by that. I know what I should be doing, and I'm not going to back down because I fear of being called bossy. I have earned my intelligence; it has taken tireless hours to fight to get where I am. I did not work my a** off for years to become a successful student and become confident in my intellectual abilities just to have you call me bossy. You know what, I am bossy.
What example are we sending to young girls when we call them bossy, using such a negative connotation? Why is it acceptable to hush ambition and a strong voice for the sake of those who don't speak their minds? We are shutting down the innate leadership abilities that they posses, the ones that will allow them become future lawyers, politicians, and educators. These young girls are hushed and told to take a backseat, to "let others have a turn." We need to stop quieting these young girls and women who speak their minds in a setting that makes some feel insecure about themselves and their own beliefs.
We need to stop oppressing bossiness and the desire to lead. As Amy Poehler famously said, "I just love bossy women. I could be around them all day. To me, bossy is not a pejorative term at all. It means somebody's passionate and engaged and ambitious and doesn't mind leading." A strong woman who takes a challenge head-on and doesn't stop until it's completed is not something that should be looked down upon. We should celebrate bossiness.
So, ladies, go be a boss. Do not back down in your ferocious passion to be a leader and have a voice.
