Strong, Independent Black Woman... who will need a man and children at some point so...

I'm sure that you have seen this image circulating the interweb at some point in your life.

And I am all about strength and independence. Seriously.

However I think that society has distorted our views of strength in some ways, especially when it comes to women. I grew up with a single mother who taught me the importance of being self-reliant and hard-working. I have chosen a career path for myself that is arduous, taxing and definitely something that will require a strong backbone. I don't think that there is a problem with this, but I also do not think that this makes me stronger than someone who has not chosen this life.

Being a woman in science can sometimes be difficult, and I have seen female peers become ruthless and cutthroat in an attempt to make it big in this world. I don't believe there is anything necessarily wrong with that, but my problem comes when these women and some men, think themselves better than the women who choose to take on the incredibly difficult job of raising children and being home-makers.

I have seen many people mock and tease women who choose to focus on their family because they see it as an easy way out, but I don't see how that makes any sense at all! There is infinite strength and independence found in being a woman who lives to make a difference in the next generation, and I cannot wait to have those opportunities for myself. It is so worthwhile and so so important, and should not be overshadowed by the way that the world thinks society should be.

Women's rights have come a long way, and for that I am eternally grateful. Are they exactly where they need to be? Absolutely not. But sometimes women can persecute other women who they feel are "sticking to the stereotype".

I don't know about you, but being an incredible cook, being able to keep a clean home and being a good mother, is a stereotype that I wouldn't mind having.

I think the main point of this spiel is that I think that we should all treat each other with the respect that we would expect for ourselves. At times, having a family may not happen for a woman, and that woman should NEVER be scrutinized or ridiculed for that. She should enjoy the freedom to make a difference in this world in other ways without feeling like less of a woman, which is something that I have seen amongst some friends and family. 

The way that we treat each other works both ways.

So.

I am strong.

I am independent.

I am black.

and I am a woman.

But I will need a man. And some babies. And I really don't see anything wrong with that.