mini-memoir

When I was younger I quickly realized that my dad needed help with everyday things around the house. The only person there to help him was me. I quickly learned the difference between a Phillips and standard screwdriver and helped him whenever he called. Even though I was a girl I wanted to be just like my dad. I ended up being what is called a tomboy. Like the article, Field Guide to the Tomboy: High Heels and Pink? No Way By Sarah Showfety, says I did not want to be the typical girl who lives the boring life that I saw my mother live. When I went to school I ended up befriending the boys instead of the girls. We just seemed to like different things. Of course this led to some unfortunate bullying.

I hate bullying. According to the articles, Teens taunted by bullies are more likely to consider, attempt suicide by Karen Kaplan and Why bullying victims develop health problems as they age and bullies flourish by Elizabeth Norton, bullying is so unhealthy. I use to always come home with headaches after school and I would feel terrible. In some cases unfortunately it has lead to suicide. I knew someone who was very traditional. According to that person I was to act like a lady and spend my day in the home taking care of my husband. That person was a bully to me. Society has changed a lot over the last century. One of those big changes was women's rights. Today you can practically do any job a man can do but according to the article, 11 Ways The American Workplace Is Still Really, Really Sexist by Jillian Berman, there is still sexism in the workplace. The most important to me is the problem with sexual harassment. I hope women continue to stand up and fight for their rights.

I really hate when people are taken advantage of and don't know how to defend themselves. Although you might not think it, we are so blessed to live in America. According to the article, To Be a Woman in Pakistan: Six Stories of Abuse, Shame, and Survival by Zara Jamal, Pakistanian women cannot defend themselves. I currently teach karate and to read about these people who cannot speak out or protect themselves in fear of being killed breaks my heart. In the article, The question of self-defense in domestic violence by Catherine Price, it was almost a crime to defend yourself in America.  In today's society no matter where you live there are always unwanted confrontations that can lead to horrible things. According to the article, Got Fierce? How to Become a Self-Defending Dame! by Melissa Soalt, we are all fearful and familiar with the domestic violence we see on the news. I believe that everyone women should take a self defense class, no matter how old you are it is never too late to be the victim or the victor. We are not weak.