More than...
We, as women, are more than a vessel that carries the unbornÂ
We, as women, are more than our skin and bodies that we were given
We, as women, are more than society has led us to believe, we will never be silenced again
We, as women, can conquer the same as men despite the whispers of doubt
We, as women, are more than enough
Poem
i will not apologizeÂ
for the voice, i have been givenÂ
nor will i apologize for the ways in which i use it.Â
my voice may shakeÂ
and hers might roarÂ
but we are one in the sameÂ
i will not apologizeÂ
because my light shines brighter than his
nor will i apologize for knowing my worthÂ
my mind is brilliantÂ
his is tooÂ
we are one in the sameÂ
i will not apologizeÂ
for the weight i carryÂ
nor will i conformÂ
my body may differ than hersÂ
but we are one in the sameÂ
i will not apologizeÂ
for my clothingÂ
nor will i changeÂ
my freedom is important to meÂ
as his rights are to himÂ
we are one in the sameÂ
when will you apologizeÂ
for taking so long to realize we are one in the same
The picture shown above was something I edited, showing that I can express myself freely, while also embracing how I look, finding the confidence while also being respected for my art.
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The poem was the second artifact I decided to incorporate into my website, I wrote this with the feeling that I should not have to hide my passions, my talents, my achievements or confidence solely because I am different or because I am a women, I will not apologize for the traits I posses or the ways in which I choose to express them because when you look at the bigger picture, we, as humans, are one in the same.
Ideal World
an achievable change
For women, living in a patriarchal society is living within boundaries.
Boundaries that are set by those around us, we are told how loud to speak, how we should act, how we should dress; We are taught that if we speak up, we will be silenced. We are confined to two labels of slut and prude, we are expected to fit in between, and to accept the consequences of wearing a skirt that is a few inches too short, we are taught we are our own monsters as social media bombards us with images of unrealistic bodies, unachievable measurements. We are taught that men have needs, but our rights are something we will always have to fight for.
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The ideal world, is a world in which women are able to thrive; a world where they are inspired, supported, and met with respect. Our education and achievements are to be celebrated and respected. Our bodies are not owned by anyone but ourselves, and those who give into their temptation without our consent will be undoubtedly punished. In an ideal world we would not be sexualized and labeled as objects. Society would not cast labels and decide what is deemed beautiful, women would not compare their bodies and the confidence would shine with no ridicule. We can all be feminists, we can stand together and dismantle the society that has separated us and devalued women, no women will be free until all women are unburdened.
Inspiring Women
The women listed below, are three (of many) inspiring women who have made an impact and given women a voice or an inspiration to use said voice. I wanted to highlight their accomplishments and what they do for feminism because I feel like their impact today is tremendous and is a step towards what I believe would be the ideal world for women to live in. A world where women are enough, a world where women have a voice. Many people are feminists without realizing it due to the lack of knowledge on the subject, but when asked if they believe in equality for all they will say yes, people like these women are helping people realize this.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Ruth Bader Ginsberg, had been on the federal bench for 25 years, using her voice to fight for gender equality, women's interests, and civil rights and liberties. She was an inspiration, as well as an advocate for women. Progressing the legalization for the woman's right to choose, while also fighting tirelessly for women to keep and gain more rights.
Sienna Mae Gomez
Sienna Mae Gomez Is a Tik Tok star that gained a following after posting a video of her stomach in its natural form, she continues to post videos of her body without posing, showing young girls that not everyones body looks the same and posing can change the way anyone looks especially on social media. Sienna uses her platform to promote body positivity and body confidence.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou, released a series of poems in 1971, following the civil rights movement, she inspired and will continue to inspire generations of women through her writings. Throughout her life she defied social norms and was- for a long time-the only black woman poets voice that young women were exposed to. Her art will live on and speak to women, encouraging their voices.
"Feminism isn't about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it's about changing the way the world perceives that strength."
We Should All Be Feminists- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie grew up in Nigeria and her work has appeared in numerous publications. In this TED talk, she talked about her experiences as a feminist, saying that men disapproved and that her fellow Nigerian women said it was not apart of their culture to be such a thing. Really, there were a lot of labels she had to use in order to be seen as who she wanted to be as many saw feminism as a flat concept. She goes on to talk about her experiences as a women, and the anger she felt when she didn't receive the respect she deserved, or the same treatment as men. She discusses the unequal pay, the way people address men versus the way the greet men, she speaks the differences that are highlighted that are not really differences, instead boundaries and categories we are sorted into and the oppression we face. Her work inspires me because of the initiative she took and the different stereotypes she overcame and stood up too. Finding her voice, defining who she was and the way women should be treated. She defines feminism in way that speaks to me and inspires me to speak up as well.
-Body-
Jordan Suaste
Jordan Suaste first released his song on the Tik Tok platform, where he grew a following for the raw, emotional piece. This piece of art speaks to all women, all people in that matter, and recognizes that we are more than our bodies - that our minds are powerful and creates who we are. I was really inspired when I first heard this song and many others are too, as it is being used in dance classes for people to express themselves to while also empowering young men and women, spreading the message that we are more than how we look, a really important concept to me.
