September 13, 1994 (Age 13)
For many years I have been teased, torn, and filled with anger about something I have tried to change. It exists everywhere, no one’s anger alone can quench it. Sexism.
One of the most unfair problems in our world. I have felt it many times, in skiing, school, karate, and in most of the world’s minds.
When I try to talk to my classmates about gym, they roll their eyes and tell me how stupid I am. But there is a problem, and there always will be a problem unless something is done about it.
Everything about gym is unfair. Girls are required to do 1 pull-up and boys are to do 2.
Girls have to run the mile in 20 minutes, boys run it in 15.
When it comes to sports such as soccer, basketball, and field hockey, girls play inside, boys outside.
More than once after class I asked the reason for this. The ingenious reply was: “If a boy kicked a soccer ball at you, you would be knocked over.”
I’m not knocked over so easily.
I have tried talking to people, but it seems that no one but my parents believes that there is a problem, and will talk about it. I will not give up trying to change the way it is.
