” I don’t cheat to win. I’d rather lose,” said 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams to her male umpire at the US Open. Serena was defending her character and integrity in the face of what she believed was an accusation of cheating.
Standing up for yourself is a good thing. Right? We always tell boys and men to “Man Up!” Surely, it must be okay for women and girls to “Woman Up.”
Think again.
We need go no further than the news headlines and social media commentary. How dare Serena, a woman, much less a black woman, stand up for herself and challenge this male umpire? How dare she request an apology? Really, how dare she? After all, she’s just a sore loser, an angry black woman, out of line, and having the “mother of all meltdowns.” This is the language of sexism.
Men are assertive; women are aggressive. Men are competitive; women are sore losers. Men are intense; women are out of line.
Imagine, umpires are reportedly threatening to boycott her matches because they felt the umpire was unfairly criticized about his conduct. Are you kidding me? How many
If you are a woman, no matter your education or vocation, you are expected to suffer in silence; accept whatever indignity is thrown your way. Just suck it buttercup and keep smiling or suffer the consequences. As women, on a daily basis, we are subjected to overt and covert acts of sexism and gender microaggressions.
As little girls, young ladies, women, we have been indoctrinated to “act like a lady.”
If sitting in silence makes me a “lady,” I reject that title. Sexism is wrong, no matter how you spin it. Women need to feel safe and empowered to “Woman Up!” Men and other women need to be allies and support women who “Woman Up!”
Silence is not an option. Letting it slide is not an option. Turning the other cheek is not an option.
Our sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, godchildren, grandchildren, are watching us. We like to tell our children, “do as I say, not as I do.” But I’m here to tell you, our children “do as we do.”
We must stand up and reject all forms of sexism, whether it is happening to you or someone else. We must operate from a place of power, not victimhood. We must speak up and challenge sexism and microaggressions.
And no, that doesn’t make you an angry woman.
“Woman Up!” That is the true meaning of acting like a lady.
Opposite-Sex Friendships in Relationships Introduction Opposite-sex friendships, are they real? The age-old question of whether…
(Culinary.net) A sizzling steak is a surefire sound of summer, and the flavors achieved from…
The Benefits of Listening to Music for a Healthier Lifestyle Introduction Music has been an…
Living With It - Take Your Medicine It was this time 47 years ago when…
Scars: Marks of Our Journey Our journey through life flows through vast lanes of pain,…
What’s Your Favorite Olympic Sport? The Olympic Games are a global spectacle that unites people…