More Than Just a Woman Kelly Quizhpi

Women in society today are seen as weak, catty, feisty—but I say women are more than just that. I see women as hard-working, talented, smart, beautiful, and we come in all different shapes and sizes. They aren’t just some object you can treat however you would treat a piece of paper when done using, NO!

Think about your moms, sisters, aunts and grandmas. You wouldn’t want them to get hurt in any way, or be called a derogatory name. Women by society are to appear more skinny, girly but not too girly, to dress appropriately but not too provocative, as if spaghetti straps or tank tops are gonna hurt anyone or be too “distracting.”

It starts with “you’re bossy,” to “He picks on you because he likes you.” It’s like the older we get the more harassment, insults and criticism we will receive. It’s like I can’t be myself because of my dress; the choice we make affects society in some sort of way, as if it were their lives.

They put us in different categories, whether we are too short, too tall, to skinny, too fat— we are more than just that. It's like wherever we go it’s always “don’t be a slut,” but “don’t be a prude;” you have to choose your family over your career, but don’t be a stay-at home mom either.

Why does it always seem like we get the same comments over, over, and over again?

Who knows? Some might be subtle, but if we sum it all up it would really show how worn out sexism can be.

As a Hispanic woman in today’s society, I shouldn’t be afraid to walk in the dark or suddenly be cat-called by some random grown-ass man on the street, like dude: I’m just trying to get to school. I am more than just a woman.

Kelly Quizhpi, Grade 9 Patrick Henry High School, Minneapolis Teaching Artist: Frank Sentwali