Rise Up

“FALL IN LOVE.” “Don’t fall in love.” “Be smart.” “But don’t be too smart because you don’t want to attract all the attention.” “Do everything you can to get attention.” “You’re too skinny.” “You eat too much.” “That outfit is too tight, go change.”
 We’re told to do things all the time, and they don’t make much sense. “Be pretty, but don’t make others feel bad.” As if all that matters to others is our face. Our bodies. “Be passionate, but only when others are as well.” As if we can only be powerful when we are told to be. As if we can’t make a difference by ourselves. As if people don’t believe one woman could change so much. “Only date when he’s cute, but if he’s not, what’s the point? You could do so much better.” As if looks are the only thing that matters in a relationship. As if he couldn’t also be a she. As if relationships are a stepladder to a higher status. “Smile! You look prettier when you do!” As if we aren’t allowed to be emotional. As if we can’t be angry. As if our feelings aren’t able to be shown to others. “Give him a second chance, he didn’t really mean it.” As if our judgment is wrong. As if we can’t make our own decisions. As if he didn’t really do anything wrong. As if he’s the victim of today’s society.
 We deserve better. As humans, we should be held accountable the same way men are. As humans, we were all created equal, regardless of the color of our skin, our body shape, religion, age, sexuality, or gender. We were created to love and to look past the surface to see what was meant to be seen: our true selves. How can we do that when others believe we are inferior?
 Betray the stereotype. Mess with the status quo. Forget society. Be rebellious. Be different. Be memorable. Be you.