Words for the Contradictions

Little girls, little boys

I was told when I was a little girl

be modest, don't show your body

don't show your soul.

Because little boys

don't know what no means,

because little girls must follow the rules

and little boys will be little boys.

I was told to wear long dresses

and smile and hide any anger

or strength

because they weren't lady like emotions.

Because little boys could stand up for themselves

but if little girls did it, they were just playing a game,

laughed off as silly and cute.

When was a middle schooler I had to laugh off

all the dirty disgusting jokes

because if little girls said something, then

they couldn't take a damn joke.

We had to make our own dirty comedy

in order to be taken seriously

if you can call a girl who was "one of the guys" taken seriously

Instead of teaching little boys

to respect the fairer sex

Little girls are taught to hide

and slowly die for the little boys

because what's a woman's worth even worth

if it's not found in a man?

Are little girls worthless if little boys don't like them?

If I can't enjoy myself as a person

love myself as a woman

because men are around

They are the problem. Their hearts, their thoughts.

Teach little boys who will become men

to treat little girls who will become women

like human beings.

Thanks so much you all for reading and voting (hint hint) on my poems and pieces. I really appreciate it. Please keep reading and give tips or ideas or anything. I'm down for suggestions of things to write about or tips or whatever any of you have for me.