“This is not just about women. Men need to recognize the part (they) play, too. Real men treat women with the dignity and respect they deserve.” Prince Harry
At what age do men stop objectifying women? As if it’s okay to sit around in a group and regale tales of a date past. Making jokes, putting her down, when she isn’t there to defend herself. As if any of them are any better than her? And for you fathers, especially fathers of daughters, in the group, did you forget that she’s also someone’s daughter? Because, Daddy, your daughter heard you…
I wished I had been there for the conversation. I wished I could have asked, How would you feel if a group of young men were having this same conversation about your daughter?
“He called me ugly,” she whispered to me.
It doesn’t matter the age. It doesn’t matter if they are “joking.” It stings a girl, woman, whenever she is called ugly.
I took a deep breath, said a prayer in my mind for the words to say and the wisdom. I hugged her and told her, that she was definitely not ugly, she is absolutely beautiful. And, my kids know, above all, that’s something I would never lie about!
I also had a conversation with him. Not to punish for what he said, but to allow him to understand the impact of his words when he calls a girl ugly – whether jokingly or not. My hope is that he will never again say that any girl is ugly again.
Who told you that you were ugly and why do you still allow it to impact you?
Perhaps they didn’t realize that you were someone’s child too… There are times when I still struggle, when the memories feel like yesterday. Then I also have to remind myself that I’m not just anyone’s daughter. I’m made in the image of my Heavenly Father. Not just me, but you too!
*Photo by KayBee05
On the Outside Looking In 