Sometimes, For Love of Woman, Sisterblog to Isis, overflows -- points are made that I want to share here.
I have begun to read a very important book, by Denise Linn, The Glory and Pleasure of Being a Woman.
Obviously, I'm not a Woman, so why should I care?
Because I am blessed to have the friendship and love of Women in my life -- my Mother, my Sweetie, my Sister, my colleagues.
The book opens with Linn's anti-epiphany -- discovering to Her hurt that She is "just a Girl," in the words of some boys in Her neighborhood.
So we discussed this on FLOW and Kat, who blogs there and here and on herekittykatkat.blogspot.com, shared some great examples of how She has found personal empowerment.
She shared unmistakable evidence that a Girl/Woman can be compassionate, brave, quick-thinking, resolute, heroic and In The Right Place at the Right Time.
This is what we must resolve to teach the young Girls who pass through our lives -- our Sisters, our Daughters, our Nieces, our students, our friends.
When She stands at that pyschological crossroads, having been hit to the heart with Her first dose of misogyny -- just a Girl! -- I pray that we will be there to lift up Her chin and clear up the hurt and confusion in Her eyes.
To say: Yes, You are a Girl -- and what a great thing that is!
Because You are a Girl, You are blessed with gifts and strengths that no boy will ever have -- things You can't even begin to comprehend at this time.
Because You are a Girl, You are part of a universal Sisterhood -- and Your friendships with Them will be deeper and more intimate and wonderful than any bonds ever forged between men.
Yes, You are a Girl -- and thank God for that, because You are needed in this world, with all the magic and joy that You will bring to it!
Someday, that boy who tried to insult You today, will be begging for Your friendship and more -- and if he hasn't gotten any smarter by then, walk away from him with a smile, because child, he ain't worth Your time!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
"Just" a Girl?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
I think there are boys who view girls as just sexual objects as well. "She's just a girl, I can say these things to her." As if we don't require respect for our intelligence and other strengths. They just see females as one thing and are not willing to see the whole package.
And if they are not willing to see the whole package, they sure do miss out!
Like salivating over the wrapping paper and ignoring the present in the box.
Yes exactly,- well said eastcoast!
Thank You, LayDdee!
I just wanted to mention that I read you, sometimes in silence.
Sometimes there is nothing I want to say and comment, but I do visit the blog.
This post makes me think of being unequal. if a Girl is a capital letter, why the boy is left at her feet with a small letter?
Boys are sensitive, special, and I'm blessed to have the friendship and love of Men in my life.
But I get your point, we should feel empowered and strong and able.
I'll go and read the flow now.
have a good day
Ela: Because I believe that biologically, intellectually and in every other way possible, Women are superior to men.
I do not expect everyone to agree with me on that, but I do expect them at least to acknowledge Women's equality to men.
that is a good point of view.
and it is up to Women to respect Men in the same way.
I just want to say that I have mad respect for you ECD!! Love ya!!
Ela: I'm afraid that too many of us men haven't done a whole lot to deserve respect from the Women of the world.
When I stop hearing about honor killings in Pakistan, rape campaigns in Darfur and bruised, battered and murdered Women the world over, perhaps I will change my mind.
LayDdee: Thank You, although I don't think I was very helpful in that area where You asked for advice.
I understand.. those are really nasty examples.
Let's hope for the better
Post a Comment