"Just because I have my standards they think I'm a bitch"
About this Quote
Having personal standards often invokes a complex reaction from others, especially for women in positions of influence, authority, or visibility. When Diana Ross asserts, "Just because I have my standards they think I'm a bitch", she articulates a dilemma familiar to many: the double standard surrounding assertiveness and self-expectations. For men, self-assurance or enforcing boundaries is often celebrated as confidence or leadership. But for women, similar behaviors can quickly be misinterpreted as arrogance, coldness, or an unwarranted sense of superiority.
This statement cuts to the heart of societal discomfort with women who know what they want and refuse to settle. Setting standards, whether they relate to how one is treated, personal expectations for work, or rules for interaction, is an act of self-respect. However, these boundaries can be threatening or discomforting to others who are used to compliance or amiability. The implied accusation in being labeled unfavorably (in this case, "bitch") serves as a socially punitive measure, attempting to shame the individual into relinquishing their standards to better appease others.
Diana Ross, as a prominent performer and public figure, likely faced these responses throughout her career. The entertainment industry, long riddled with gendered expectations, often judges female assertiveness far more harshly than male assertiveness. By stating her experience plainly, she champions the idea that maintaining one’s standards is not a character flaw but a necessary quality, particularly in environments prone to exploitation or disrespect.
The underlying message encourages reflection on our own judgments of others, especially women who are unapologetic about their needs and expectations. It also serves as a rallying cry for individuals, especially women, to persist in upholding their standards despite criticism. Valuing oneself should never be misconstrued as antagonism, it’s an essential form of self-advocacy and dignity.
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