The whole world we live in, the opportunities, were not made for women, especially for women of color like myself. Don’t get me wrong, I understand I have an extreme amount of privilege, especially even writing this article in the first place. During women’s history month we always talk about how far we’ve gotten. There’s still so much more to be done. I want to talk about my experience to hopefully help others know they’re not alone.
It is a scary world for everyone. I’ve dealt with little things such as mansplaining or racist comments but that’s not what gets to me, it’s the indirect situations that get to me. Sitting in a classroom with only men or only white people, nothing can be wrong, but sitting there is a weird feeling. Talking to mainly male professors and people who don’t look like me. It’s when we talk about something in Latino culture in a classroom and everyone looks at me. It’s not that it’s bad. I love speaking about my experiences and I appreciate them looking at me to make sure they’re educated, but sometimes it’s just uncomfortable.
I also want to talk about the expectations that the people in less privileged positions are required to educate others. I read an article a bit ago in my Theology class about being careful to put too much pressure on them. I have no problem speaking on issues that mean a lot to me, it’s the only way we will learn. But I do not want to be told, “ you need to be patient” or “you just need to educate them” when I decide I am done. It’s a tough situation for sure, but the guilt that women, POC, and others experience, is just adding on to the already difficult battle.
I do not want to sit here and type out every example of every situation I have experienced, I am sure you would not want to read that either. But I will say this, it has been hard and I know it will only get harder. I am tired and I am sure many of you are tired too. It’s okay to rest, it’s okay to take a step back from the madness, it’s okay to allow yourself to feel everything. But I never want any of you to give up on the fight, if you fall into that, try to get back up, and keep trying, because we will make it, I promise you that. We are powerful women, remember that this month, and do not let anyone forget that every other month.