I am woman, hear me roar: insight on a female’s pride

When I was a little girl, I was frequently told I could grow up to be whatever I wanted. I was told I was smart and completely capable of performing my future career choice.

Like many other young women of my generation, I was told I could do anything boys could do.

I disagree.

And no, I am not sexist, and I don’t condone chauvinist ideals, but rather I accept there are certain things I am never going to be able to do because I am a woman. Because I am female, I am never going to be as physically strong as a man. I am never going to assess a situation or process a concept the same way a man does.

I am going to forever be held to a different standard in regards to my behavior, my hygiene, my language, my decorating skills and my ability to coordinate colors within my apparel.

All of this has nothing to do with believing men and women should be treated equal, but rather an acceptance of the fact that men and women are simply wired differently.

Men and women coexist because each offers something the other does not. Genetically, each possesses different qualities.

Women of generations past were so eager to gain equal rights as men, and thankfully in our society we have. But I believe it is outdated to say, “You can do anything a boy can do.”

This ultimately undermines the prospect of being a girl, and practically suggests that being a girl is not good enough; you must strive to do whatever a boy can do.

Consequently, young women still hold themselves to a standard they not only cannot achieve, but a standard they should not want to achieve in the first place. Women should be proud to be women and should strive to be successful as women.

The sooner we accept the difference and stop assuming we must fight in a man’s world, the sooner we can be led by women who are truly proud of their sex.

I hope one day I have the opportunity to raise strong, intelligent and goal-oriented girls. And if this opportunity presents itself, I hope I never catch myself saying, “You can do anything a boy can do,” but rather, “You can do anything.”