I cannot tell you about my day. I will shortly be deleting posts on social media. Starting over.
You see, I must be careful with my words. Be careful what kind of impression I give.
A woman having emotions is, after all, a sign of instability. A woman healing out loud, or calling out the actions of a man, might frighten the dogs.
Daring to say loudly that they will not sit down shows a damnable lack of respect.
And anything which shows too much skin, the curve of a breast, or the flash of a leg, is suggestive. Inappropriate. And women who are suggestive, who breathe in their own skin, dare to dance or laugh too loudly, who tell their stories without shame, who are beautiful and wild and free, paint colours in their hair and pictures on their arms, are ineligible for positions of power.
Did you know that?
After all, women’s bodies, their stories, their feelings, are unprofessional. And we must be professional at all times; especially when not on the clock. I learned that today.
So, for the sake of my career, I will buy a boxy suit and laugh at bad dad jokes, to fit into your boy’s club. I will learn to find enjoyment in being cruel. I won’t argue. I will shrink myself down and sit quietly in meetings, apologise for my opinion. I will never show weakness. The only feelings, in fact, that I will show are satisfaction and quiet joy – because I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my humanness.
And I will thank you for undervaluing me. Thank you for your disrespect.
And before you find yourself offended. Before you suggest that I had the audacity to speak out against you. Please, think. Do you really want to admit that this was you?
Legal Disclaimer: this is a work of art and protest, which are both legally protected freedoms. It is not intended to represent or speak to the actions of any one person or entity. Does it reflect my personal feelings and experiences? My political or personal views? Yes. But not in relation to a specific person or entity. It is not a “hit job”. If you are offended, or believe you may be “being called out”, perhaps consider some personal reflection.