The Person She Wants to Be

Because,
You play like a girl!
is an insult.
Because women are taught to be ashamed
of their sexuality.
Slut, tease, whore, floozy,
close your legs,
cover yourself,
but
don't be a prude
or an ice-hearted
bitch.
Because girls are supposed to be
protected, not protectors
unless they are mothers
- which is fine.
But not enough.
Women,
they are meant to be
dainty
and subservient.
They are expected to be
whining and complaining
and overreacting and
weak.
Petty.
Shallow.
Their only power comes from
temptation.
Evil.
Maybe some women
aren't any of these things.
Maybe some girls
have strengths,
whatever that means.
And it doesn't have to make them
lesser women.
Intelligence,
ethic,
durability.
Challenge,
persistence,
capability.
Good qualities are for people;
women are people, too.
Bad qualities aren't for anybody,
I think.
Whatever that means.
So don't be shy,
have confidence.
Bad people make money off telling
you you're ugly.
Don't give it to them.
Stand up for yourself.
Be yourself.
Whatever that means –
and play like a girl.
Show them what that means to you.