"Now, being a girl, I was ashamed of my body and my lack of strength. So I tried to be a man. I shot, rode, jumped, and took part in all the fights of the boys"
About this Quote
The quote by Agnes Smedley explores themes of gender identity, social expectations, and personal empowerment. Smedley, an early 20th-century author understood for her activism and feminist views, often attended to the difficulties dealt with by females in a patriarchal society. In this statement, she exposes her struggle with traditional gender functions and the internal conflict that developed from them.
To begin with, the phrase "being a lady, I repented of my body and my absence of strength" signifies the social pressures that equate femininity with weak point. From a young age, Smedley internalized the idea that her body was naturally inadequate. This sentiment most likely stemmed from a culture that commemorated male strength and devalued female physicality, leading many females to feel awkward or inferior.
The sentence, "So I tried to be a guy", captures Smedley's initial response to these pressures-- an effort to embody typically manly qualities to get regard and self-regard. By discussing activities like shooting, riding, jumping, and taking part in young boys' battles, she highlights her willingness to cross gender limits. These activities are frequently connected with strength, bravery, and self-reliance-- traits typically designated to guys.
However, Smedley's statement is not simply about embracing manly characteristics; it also shows a deeper desire for equality and self-determination. Her actions can be seen as a type of disobedience against restrictive standards, a statement that capabilities and interests ought to not be dictated by gender. By engaging in these activities, Smedley challenged the status quo and asserted her right to specify her own identity.
Eventually, the quote speaks with the universal struggle for self-definition in the face of societal constraints. It underscores the guts required to defy standards and the ongoing journey towards gender equality. By sharing her experience, Smedley not just sheds light on the pressures dealt with by females of her time however also inspires a broader discourse on the crossway of gender, identity, and empowerment.
About the Author