Things That Empower Me
1. Knowing Things
Something that empowers me is my education. My mom constantly quoted Oprah when I was growing up: “The more you know, the better you do.” I didn’t always value my education, but that changed when I went to college and realized the power of being aware. For me, understanding social issues and my role in the system is what gives me strength. This is because, once I was educated on the invisible, oppressive systems designed to uphold social hierarchies, I became empowered to do something about it. I’ll put this in simpler terms. In my gender studies classes, for example, understanding systemic sexism and patriarchal hierarchies made it possible to confront them. Now that’s empowering! Before I learned about the social forces that are designed to maintain social hierarchies, it wasn’t possible to do anything about it. Now that I’m educated about the world around me, I’m a powerful force capable of making substantial, lasting changes in society.
2. Supporting Other Women
If there’s one thing society and the media have tried to teach us, it’s that women must compete with each other. My generation grew up in the technological revolution, being forced to witness patriarchal tropes on TV from a young age. Think about it: how often do we see female rivalries exploited and given excessive attention? Pretty regularly, and this happens in film, literature, fashion, sports, and news reports. Society benefits from female rivalries because when women unite in solidarity, they threaten the very system that keeps them oppressed. When women support and uplift each other, they become powerful and can combat patriarchal hierarchies. Based on what I’ve learned as a gender studies minor, I’d argue that the glorification of female rivalries is designed to keep women from knowing the power they yield from working together. By supporting, uplifting, and defending all women, we possess the ability to make substantial changes together.
3. Loving myself ENTIRELY
Something that makes me feel extremely powerful is loving the parts of me that society constantly tries to make me feel insecure about. This is easier said than done, but to be honest, I just fake it until I make it. For example, I feel empowered when I look into the mirror and vocalize how beautiful my cellulite and stomach rolls are. Saying it out loud is the key, at least for me. This quote inspires me:
“If tomorrow, women woke up and decided they really liked their bodies, just think how many industries would go out of business.”
Gail Dines, professor of sociology and women’s studies at Wheelock College in Boston
4. Not being ladylike
This has gotten me into trouble, but I feel empowered by rebellion and rejecting the status quo. This entails being the kind of woman I was taught I shouldn’t be: loud, bossy, aggressive, someone who takes up space, etc..…. Women are constantly policed in all aspects of their lives, with expectations to behave, talk, dress, think and even sit a certain way. That’s why I love wearing oversized t-shirts, talking loudly, “manspreading,” and doing anything that might make me seem unladylike. It’s empowering because I refuse to conform to the idea of a “proper woman” to make other people feel comfortable or think positively of me. Going against those expectations makes me feel powerful, and I encourage all women to break more rules and see if it does the same for them.
5. Reaching for the Stars
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a stay-at-home mother when I grew up. Once I realized I had too much ambition to stay home, I dreamed of becoming a news anchor. Still, I was limiting myself to a career where I could be just another pretty face - that’s all I thought I had to offer. Now I’m 22 years old, pursuing law school and a future in politics. I never thought I’d be on this challenging path in life, but it sure does make me feel empowered. Even though it would be a lot easier to be a housewife, I refuse to ignore my potential just because I’m a woman. I won’t limit myself to a role that society thinks I belong in, and I encourage all women reading this to do the same. We’re so much more than wives and mothers, which is why I have such big goals in life and why you should, too.