Shyla's Entry - Am I defined only by my sex?

 

Shyla's Entry - Am I defined only by my sex?

Am I only defined by my sex? As a girl from the 21st century, it is sad to say that I still resonate with the  characterization of Rose Dewitt Bukater from Titanic (1997). I still struggle to see the equality everyone is saying we have achieved as a society because as I look around, I find traces of unfairness to women. Unequal pay, rights, and treatment, even domestic abuse are some of the things women experience today. Unlike Rose, I have more freedom. I am not restricted with the way I dress and express myself because my parents believe in individuality and self-expression. But like her, society still has standards set over me.

Society see me as less than for I am a girl. It treats me like dirt just because I am a girl with feminine interests. Even though I have escaped the rabbit hole of a strict and conservative family, I cannot fully express who I am because I am scared to be disrespected and dismissed. I cannot dress the way I want to because I don't want to be labeled in a certain way. I cannot address issues that I want to talk about because I am scared to be told, "Anong alam mo, babae ka lang naman?" Truthfully, I am not comfortable with who I am as a woman. I remember the time when I was asked by my aunt if I had a boyfriend at a family gathering, and for some reason, the topic escalated to if I wanted to have a baby someday. As a mere child hearing those questions, it was shocking to say the least. I answered my aunt with a firm "no" because that's my preference. She further told me that I did not know any better because I was young. Isn't that messed up? I was a kid back then, but I was being asked if I wanted to be a mother in the future. I have my reasons why I don't want to bear a child in this world, and I still stand by my decision. It is difficult to see how young girls are subjected to this mentality early in their lives. This reminds me of the scene in the Titanic where a little girl's posture is being corrected by her mother. This symbolizes how girls are being conditioned by society to think and act a certain way, to the point of not having the ability to decide for themselves. Furthermore, having a brother is a completely different experience. My brother would occasionally be allowed to stay out late at night, while I had a curfew to abide by. I am aware my parents are taking extra precautions because it is dangerous outside, but shouldn't my brother have a curfew like me? Though I understand them, it is quite unfair for me and for him.

In conclusion, gender inequality is still rampant today. Though it might not be fully resolved, we must take a step to alleviate it. As a young girl, I know my rights, and I know I have to fight for them. I know I should not be defined by my sex, for I am a woman, not just a woman. 1912 was a long time ago. If women today are still facing the same challenges Rose experienced, then not much has changed. As Ruth Dewitt Bukater, Rose's mother, said, "We're women. Our choices are never easy." We still have to face the unfairness of the patriarchal society. We are still expected to think for others before ourselves but we must break the barrier to gain power and control over ourselves.