I asked my grandma, mom, and sister about what it means to be a woman
‘Stay away from men, they’re nothing but trouble’
If you have been paying any attention to politics lately, you may have heard about Michelle Obama’s recent speech at the Democratic National Convention. Her speech touched on many topics of importance and seemed to be a commendable wrap up of her husband’s time in office. The speech has been the focus of some controversy due to a statement that she made about the White House being built by slaves – which is unfortunate, because another statement that she made was so much more important.
She said, “My daughters and all our sons and daughters now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States.”
How true is that? The question is no longer whether or not we CAN have a female president, but whether or not we WILL. The power and opportunities of women has changed drastically in the past 100 years, let alone the last 10. Not surprisingly, so has the experience of womanhood.
The values, opinions, and expectations of women today seem incomparable to those of the generations before us – but how different are they, really? What a better way to find out then to ask three generations of my female family members what it means to be a woman.
Lets meet the cast…
Gabby Thomas | Sister
15 going on 30
Kris Thomas | Mother
48 years young
Ruth Kubinski | Grandmother A.K.A. Gaga
Not a day over 27
When you think of a woman, which words come to mind?
Ruth: Mature, loving, motherly & helpful.
Kris: Strong, mother, loving, caring, protector, caretaker & compassionate.
Gabby: Strong & independent.
What is the best part about being a woman?
Ruth: The best part about being a woman is being a loving wife to somebody that you love.
Kris: Being a mom – no doubt. That is the first thing that comes to mind. I am able to birth a child and be blessed to be a mother. That is the greatest gift.
Gabby: You can get free food!
What is the hardest part of being a woman?
Ruth: I don’t think it’s hard. I think it’s a privilege and I think it is something that everyone has to treasure and cherish.
Kris: Being so emotional. Women are very emotional human beings…one of the hardest things is being able to keep my emotions intact so I don’t affect my kids. There is a pressure to make sure that my children have everything they need. That may be more about being a single mom, but being a single mom is part of my being a woman.
Gabby: The hardest part is not having equality – like with the wage gap.
The tone of womanhood has definitely changed between the prime of my grandmother and today. Womanhood seems to have evolved from being centered on relationships and family to valuing independence and self reliance. For better or for worse, the times they are a changin’ and I, for one, feel lucky to live in a time where being self-sufficient and having a family and equally valid paths of existence.
Though there are differences in values, some things never change. My last question was a request for advice for all of the other women out in the world.
Ruth: Be honest, trustworthy, generous, loving & kind. Be yourself.. and stay away from men. They’re nothing but trouble.
Kris: You don’t need somebody else to make you who you are, to take care of you, or to make you feel that you are worthy, beautiful or loved.
Gabby: Don’t let a man tell you who you are.