Happy International Women's Day

Today is a day of empowerment. However, it's also a day to talk about women's issues with pride. As much as I appreciate this day, I also wish that it didn't have to be. I wish that instead, we could celebrate regular equality. Here are two poems, one written from the perspective of me; a girl who loves makeup and "Clueless." The response is written by one of my best friends, Brittani Jay, who loves books and "The Lord of the Rings." While vastly different in beliefs and personalities, we share the same experience as women in America; because unfortunately, we are seen for what we are physically instead of who we are at our core.

"I am feminine. I love pink. I love lipstick and dresses. I love baby animals and candles. I love chocolate and flowers. I wear heels, and I like to. I spray on perfume every day.

I’ve accepted my figure, and I’ve grown fond of my waist.

I don’t like sports. I hate them, to be exact. Star Wars and Star Trek? No thanks, I’ll pass. Maybe I’m a stereotype. Watching “Legally Blonde” and crying, while I snuggle my cat. Call it what you want it, as long as you don’t tune my “high pitched” and “shrill voice” out.

I’ve been cat called, and yelled at. I’ve been picked on and been told what I can and can’t do. I have an exit plan for every situation; I’m showering, and a strange man walks in. I’m walking to my car at night, and he approaches me. I’m walking to my car during the day, and he asks me to smell a new perfume. I’m in my garage, and I duck, hoping he doesn’t slam my own car door on my head. I’m at the park, and I scream, desperately hoping someone hears.

I’m scared. A lot of the time. And it’s brushed off as high emotions, or unfortunate anxiety.

I go to a doctor for pain. He’s a man. He tells me that being a woman is “just uncomfortable.”

I wonder if there’s a God. Surely, a God wouldn’t make being a woman, “just uncomfortable.”

Don’t get me wrong, I love being me. I love my girlfriends, and compliments and smiling. I love being a stereotype. I think my stereotype is pretty neat. What I can’t accept is that to you, my stereotype is completely meaningless.

I deserve better.

I’ve laughed, and nurtured, and raised children up. I’ve cleaned, and cooked, and birthed babies without drugs. I’ve been quiet, I’ve been meek, I’ve been supportive, and I’ve believed that when you tell me I can’t I can’t and I won’t.

Now it’s up to me

To speak out of turn. To cause a fire in the hearts of those who don’t think I’m of worth

Because you may see a stereotype But I see a superhero

You try creating life, and raising it, and then be crushed by it.

I am a Woman. And I am powerful.

I’ve accepted it. It’s about time you accept it, too."

-Emilie Trepanier

"I am a woman I love blacks and blues and grays. I love looking good but hate getting ready. I wear jeans and a messy bun. I can wing my eyeliner, but only if I must. I hate love and affection. Romantic movies and dates? No thanks. I know I’m attractive. Ask me if it hurt when I fell from heaven And I’ll say yes. I am a complete nerd. Game of Thrones and Star Trek? Ask me about them and I’ll respond in Dothraki Maybe I’m a stereotype or maybe I don’t fit the “mold” I hate crying and expressing emotion. Call it what you want it, just don’t tell me to “smile more” or drop my resting bitch face.

I’ve been cat called and yelled at. I’ve been picked on and been told what I can and can’t do. I have an exit plan for every situation; I’m showering, and a strange man walks in. I’m walking to my car at night, and he approaches me. I’m walking to my car during the day, and he asks me to smell a new perfume. I’m in my garage, and I duck, hoping he doesn’t slam my own car door on my head. I’m at the park, and I scream, desperately hoping someone hears. I’m scared. A lot of the time. And it’s brushed off as high emotions, or unfortunate anxiety.

I tell a man his advances are unwanted. He tells me to give it a go and I’m a bitch if I say no.

I don’t believe in any god or in our supposed “equality”. A woman’s treatment day in and day out is the furthest thing from righteous, blessed, or divine.

The only god I believe in is me. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love being me. I love being alone, reading, and drinking tea. I love being a stereotype. I think my stereotype is pretty neat. What I can’t accept is that to you, my stereotype is completely meaningless.

I deserve better.

I’ve listened to men say that I can’t, who say I don’t know what I’m talking about I’ve born the scorn of labels after rejecting man after man, as if not dating constitutes a label I’ve fought for where I am with nail, tooth, and claw. yet as a woman in society, I am brushed away.

But it’s up to me

To speak out of turn. To cause a fire in the hearts of those who don’t think I’m of worth

Because you may see a stereotype But I see a superhero

You try creating your own life, and then be crushed by it.

I am a Woman. And I am powerful.

It’s about time you accept it."

-Brittani Jay

#InternationalWomensDay #BrittaniJay #EmilieTrepanier #woman #girlpowwer #sexism #equality #feminism #womanhood #feminine #stereotype #poetry #respect