In 99 words, no more or less, by the 21st January write using the prompt ‘Protest’ π press the pile of books to join in at Charli’s place or to read some amazing responses … after the 21st.
“Quiet!” shouted Miss Brooks, “Okay Girls, hands up if you think you’re the weaker sex.” Shouts, and stomping shoes echo. Her voice raised, her palm hit the desk. A puddle formed in her eye, she grabbed her hands rubbing vigorously, as a drip plopped against her lip. Her tongue, snatched it away unseen, while she counted raised hands.”Please miss,” eyes swivel, and I colour. “I think it depends if they smack the desk harder than you.” The noise level climbed. “It isn’t gender or braun that predicts strength, but Emotional intelligence Miss, females win that every time.”tough one this week, the lone voice stood up for what she believes is right. Do you think the question should even be asked? Have you ever spoke up, voiced your opinion? Answers in the comments i can’t wait to reply.
Weaker and stronger are relative terms. Both are up to oneβs definition. To call either gender stronger or weaker, regardless of definition, is a generalization. Unfortunately, we generalize and categorized far too often, which strips us of our individuality and weakens us all.
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Yes, there are measured toleration’s if pain. Also the weights and stature of sexes differ, so does willpower. The gender, in my view can never be an accurate measure of anything other than testosterone levels. We need to pick wisely our points … before protesting. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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We come from a place of vulnerability when we speak as that lone voice and yet the more we do it the more we realize that we are actually speaking from our center of power. A thought-provoking flash. Well done, Ellen.
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Thanks Charli, it is strange how we often only protest when we are older and wiser. I only protested on paper in story form when young. I think, until strength of character and self confidence is in place many of us hide.
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This is really great! I didn’t want to stop reading. I really love your writing!
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Thank you Brenda that is a great comment. π
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Such a powerful story! Beautifully written and it touched my soul. As a little girl, there were times when I was made to feel weaker than the other gender. Many a time I didnβt bother but now that I look back, I feel I should have stood up and raised my voice! Great read.
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It seems easier to raise your head above the crowd with experience/age. When young, I was never the confident one my protests were in form of a story, I wrote my fears and thoughts.
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Should the question be asked β Iβm trying to think of a reason why it would have to be? Canβt. In school I kept my head down, now not so much.
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Well done Ellen! π
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Thank you so much for taking time to both read and comment x
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My pleasure. Itβs nice to see what comes to the forefront for these challenges. β€
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Great response. I’m pleased you took it to the classroom. Stimulating minds is how all informed protests begin.
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Thank you for your comments and time Norah x
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Well I was the kid who would say. Stupid question! You are as strong as you believe. Boy did I believe. Got me in trouble a lot of times.
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Fierce, you were a fierce girl who took no prisoners. As a woman, you are a beautiful soul full of tenderness and care that you dare to show. Xxx
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Hi, Ellen. This comment is not going to be βgushyβ, even for an American. As you so often do with your writings, you have made me reflect and remember. I speak not from a point of view of gender, but of human experienceβ¦ observing my own motherβs trials and challenges and will to surviveβ¦
From my observation of the women who have graced my life, they are all strong individuals. My mother, perhaps the strongest person I have known. She survived severe domestic abuse, being forcibly driven from her home at gunpoint, abandoned on the streets with two young children, working two and three jobs to make ends meet⦠and much more.
There were issues of emotional child abuse that were aimed at me by her and my fatherβ¦ and others. But, in looking back, I think that I better understand the overwhelming stress that my mother suffered that led to that behavior. I donβt know that she needs my forgiveness. Would I have been any different in her shoes? Perhaps I would have been worseβ¦
Many women are survivors⦠and more, they thrive. That gives me pause to think about the examples of their lives.
I wonβt even go into the experience of being present at the birth of my son. β¦ Weaker sex? I donβt think so.
Indeed, I have great respect for the women who have graced my life. I owe them a debt that cannot be repaid.
Thank you, again, for sharing your thoughts and creative writings. I appreciate them without limit.
Have a great day. ~ John F.
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I am honoured to have you comments thought and virtual company.
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Thank you… I appreciate that.
All of you have a wonderful and restful evening.
~ John F.
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I am much more outspoken than I ever was when younger, (although still a chatterbox then, but shyer) but hopefully never rude! xx
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The best way to be.
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We all need to speak up occasionally, otherwise we are kept down, it’s not always men against women, often women can opress other women.π
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Yes not gendar driven at all.
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Indeed π
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Weakness isn’t easy to define. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Just because you feel weak does not mean you are worth less.
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No it does not. But strength has too long been defined by a size, musculature or height. I am the strongest person I know. And I stand at four foot eleven and under ten stone. But strong willed I won’t backdown from bigotry, bullying or injustice.
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I think people small in stature always have and always will be. I’m totally with you on the fact that it’s not always true.
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Love this, Ellen! I thought about school too, with my response!
Iβm always putting my opinion across. I think thatβs our fundamental right!
And it is interesting to pose the question, because itβs a way to broach the subject and tackle preconceptions!
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Thank you for your comment and taking the time. I think speaking up, (for ourselves) is somehow more controlled … than speaking out. Yes it is our right to ask and reply, but I wondered if that particular question, was still relevant. π
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There are still plenty of old skool thinkers!
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