Question

Read the following quote. What do you think it means? Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? We teach girls shame... We make them feel as though by being born female they're already guilty of something. And so, girls grow up to be women who cannot see they have desire. They grow up to be women who silence themselves. They grow up to be women who cannot say what they truly think, and they grow up -- and this is the worst thing we did to girls -- they grow up to be women who have turned pretense into an art form. Note: Pretense is defined as attempting to make something that is false true. Meaning they lie in order to make something true, or they are faking their emotions, feelings, wishes. In the space below, write one paragraph (4-6 complete sentences) that explains what you think the quote means. Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Provide your response with opinions or examples to support your explanation.

Answer 1

I think this quote is explaining how girls are taught from the beginning, shame. When girls turn into women, they believe they must be quiet, they must be happy, and they must be perfect. I disagree with this quote for this generation. I believe that we have broken through those previous barriers and are now teaching women strength, courageousness, and the power to be ourselves. I do agree with the line, "they grow up to be women who have turned pretense into an art form.". From my experience, I believe that women cannot have the same emotions as men, because it may come across different. A powerful woman is seen as snarky or rude, whereas a powerful man is admired.