You Can Because You Think You Can
I was in history class one day, a few months ago, and very often we gravitate off of our prime subject- (whether it is ancient Egyptian civilization or current events, and go to more modern-day, important political discussions.) Either there was a current event about Nancy Pelosi being elected, but somehow the conversation reached women’s rights.
We were talking about how women don’t always get paid as much as men, even when they are in the same line of work, and how that it is unfair. I remember the look on my teacher’s face as I heard him say, (now to him he is not sexist, he is totally pro-equal rights,) but he said, “Do you know why women don’t get paid as much as men, because they let them!” I was astonished. Whenever I hear a comment or disgusting remark like that, my heart starts to quicken, I just in some mild way pop.
After class, I went up to my history teacher, and told him that what he said greatly offended me. We ended up having an about ten minute conversation about women’s rights. He told me that there was a poll that went around all over the country, I don’t know exactly when or what year, but recent I assume, and that a good percent of the women responded to the question:
“Do you think that women and men should always be paid equal amounts in the same line of work?’ It was at least a question surrounding those issues. A good majority of the women apparently responded “NO.”
Can this really be true? Every once in a while I find myself doubting who I am, a woman, am I really as strong or can I be as intelligent as a man? I highly doubt that these questions have been entered into men’s minds. I think that implanted into our brains are obviously many unneeded insecurities, a lot of them are just things we grow from, but really, this should not be one of them. I recently found a quote that I really admire, “They can because they think they can.” And what I believe, is that everyone should think they can. And what it comes down to, is you can because you think you can. You Can.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Brianna Elizabeth Lear // Apr 27, 2007 at 8:05 pm
I love this blog. You really support your opinion. That is a scary incident with your teacher. he shouldn’t say that to a 6th grade class…
overall, great blog Maddie!!!
2 Mary Leonard // Apr 28, 2007 at 2:51 pm
WHY am I not surprised by this incredibly written, thoughtful blog? Because, like Brianna, I have known Madeline since she was a little girl. She is extremely gifted and, over the years, has mastered almost everything she attempts. It is thrilling to see her use this great mind to tackle such important issues as equality in the workplace. However, this is not the first time I have observed her passion and concerns for humankind. Once, I attended an event at Maddie’s school. All students took turns delivering a report on their favorite book. While all were good, most were about the popular books of the day (Harry Potter, for example). So, it was much to my amazement when Maddie stood up and delivered an impassioned speech about a family visiting the south during the civil rights movement and all of the injustices they witnessed. I was so privileged and proud to be her “special friend” that day. Madeline is beautiful in the obvious, external ways but her REAL gifts lie on the inside. She and Brianna are my ‘family’ and I am very excited to see them involved with this important website. Keep it going girls!! I love you for doing this. Mary Leonard
3 Jamia // Apr 28, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Great post. Continue to think critically and question. This is one of the most powerful tools that we have when navigating the world we live in. I have experienced the same thing time and time again, not just with sexist comments but also with racist and classist comments from teachers in the past.
Question everything. Accept nothing without investigation… and share the thoughts you develop. And amend them when you learn more.
4 Liz // Apr 28, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Great post. Why is it, do you think, that women would say that they didn’t think they deserved to be paid as much as men?
Awesome analysis. I’m very proud!
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