being a woman

The double entendre that women should stay home and make men the good providers was part of the culture I grew up in. I was discouraged by my maternal grandparents to go to college and get a degree.

When they died, I was able to convince my parents to give me the freedom to make choices.  At first there was hesitation because of the culture and such but in the end, I became an independent woman, different from the rest.

As I ponder on, I pity the other women in my race, they are still trained to be subservient to a man, their only escape is to have a good marriage and produce sons.

But there are no happy endings, a lot of them had given up everything for the wrong reasons. Empowerment is a strange word to them and which makes it also difficult for me to explain.

I just want to let them realize that they are not women but persons; people with rights and people with emotions that need to be expressed.

Reviews

[efe22]

It's a nice piece. Makes me also think of where I come from and the struggle to get here. Great work

[sette]

that is simply admirable thanks for choosing me to be a friend

[efe22]

you are very welcome. your work is beautiful

[sette]

thanks again and you should continue to fight for your rights especially as a woman.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Empowerment is born in the heart when the inner voice that leads you becomes your own (& not that of another).
This is a very good piece.

[sette]

thanks for the appreciation

[Diane]

Just having the choice makes a big difference. Nice read.

[sette]

yes but in my culture there are limited choices but still depends on one's willpower if she wants to end up being different.

[Coyote Poetry]

I taught my three daughters. Never depend on a man. Have a skill and be able to support yourself. You did right. Old world is gone. Many women alone and the only income. No-one should serve anyone. Life should be give and take. Take and give. Thank you my friend for sharing the powerful and worthwhile story.
Coyote

[sette]

my father taught me that too that is the reason why beyond my culture, the independent spirit rose up.

[Coyote Poetry]

I'm glad. Your father was wise.

[sette]

he is really wise even if there is the culture thing, he still inspires me to face and fight my own battles btw he is already 78.

[wordman]

i guess men and women should be independent to a degree,a woman should take care of her man and he should take care of her, but love should be real and forever ,a woman should be able to take care of her self if need be,

[sette]

what words of understanding my friend I just hope that love is not an illusion but rather real> The concept of reciprocity is hard to be put into practice.

[Ghost]

I do not believe in the theory of women being at home.. God created woman from mans rib which to mean means she is his equal. I hate when I see men make women walk behind them or treat them like crap in public or anything. A woman deserves respect and to be treasured and treated like a queen.. But not all men see this.

[sette]

thank you ghost for the wonderful remark. I hope the ancestors in my culture had realized it and had the understanding of acculturation but sad to say, the practice did not change much but there are still rebels like yours truly who continue to fight for equality and respect of men. that is perhaps the reason why I understand men more than women and that is no joke.

[Dave]

Believe it or not as a teacher, mostly of American history, I have long espoused the need for women to be recognized as people who have and will continue to make outstanding contributions. In today's' climate, maybe, at last, they will come into their own.

I have been looking forward to the first woman president of the United States. Perhaps that day is not too far off.

Take care - Dave

[sette]

in my country I have experienced two women presidents dave and I am not proud of their achievements may be because they were more oriented on tackling the political issues and setting aside priorities for women and women's empowerment. In your country perhaps having the first woman president would be a radical step but worth waiting and watching for.

[Dave]

Perhaps you are right! I'm reminded of the expression, "Watch out what you wish for. You might get it."

[sette]

and isn't it pretty exciting to have something different?

[Dave]

Good God! Isn't that what we got this time around??
I could pass on that kind of different!

Take care - Dave

[sette]

but it is still a different viand if compared to a food. your president and my president has one in thing in common, they have to be instiutionalized for mental disorder.

[¿]

Yeah! Difficult for me as well. I don't know if I'll have that luck ever to see the world whole empowered by women also men are supporting and suppling the power to the women. Great thought sette!

[sette]

thanks my friend for always understanding. it is hard for my culture to accept the superiority of women, it seems that we are born to serve men and all that bull****.