I equate the word ‘Voice’ to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful words- “I have a dream.” Many people don’t recognize the power of words and the difference one person can make by having their opinion voiced. When African American Dr. King gave his speech no one at that time believed that his words would become reality, because this was during the Civil Rights Movement era. Over many years his speech has become a legacy to the point that a national holiday is observed in his honor. This goes to show that it doesn’t matter what nationality you are the correct voice is powerful. This week’s topic is a great one to end our class with, as it addresses and sums up what most of us have expressed throughout the summer which is, that young people are afraid to express themselves because they fear what their parents or adults might say or do to them. In an article written by Patricia Watson entitled, ‘Sticks and stones may break bones- and words hurt too’ she states that, “When words are used as weapons, they are just as efficient as a fist or a gun. Hurtful words can destroy a person, without leaving a blood trail. We need to be very careful with our choice of words. Verbal attacks can leave a victim crying out in pain, with no visible evidence of injury. When you are attacked by someone with a vicious tongue, it can make you feel like you are dying inside. To the outside world, it may look like no harm has been done. Inside the mind and soul of the verbal abuse victim, are the scars and fresh wounds of battle.” Don’t get me wrong! I am not saying that we should go around allowing every girl to express whatever is on their mind, but I do believe even on a household level, it is necessary to allow them to voice their thoughts and opinions. As adults we sometimes forget that they are human beings and their voice is important as ours. “I know that some girls want to speak up, but are, with good reason, afraid to. I understand that some girls aren’t allowed a voice so I speak for them” (Goldwasser 232)
It is very important to listen to girl’s voices. They are the future women of the society. We have read about girls and women in the Eastern World that have no voice, because of cultural believes, and practices. Here in the United States females have more freedom including freedom of speech. We have experience for the first time in history coming close to having a female as our president. During my ‘Service Learning’ hours at the Apopka Pregnancy Center I allowed many of the teenage girls I talked with the opportunity to air their VOICE. Believe me I learnt a lot by just listening to their daily struggles. “Deborah L. Tolman, author of Desire: Teen Girls talk About Sexuality, writes that “being a girl, living comfortable in a girl’s body, is neither easy nor especially safe.” She describes girls’ experiences…” The dilemma of desire” girl’s experience, she explains, is a direct result of “social constructions that produce privilege and oppression.” Supportive, trustworthy relationships throughout a girl’s adolescence are vital, Tolman says”( Lipkin 88). One good thing about our society is the fact that there are several organizations in place that girls can go to for counseling that will allow them to share their voice. The media and the internet do play an important role in giving females the opportunity to have their voice heard irrespective of which cultural background the individual belongs to. This medium helps to give and share information with others that would not be shared on a one to one basis. It also helps girls to hear problems that their peers are experiencing and to realize that they are not the only ones in their predicament. I believe it is right to have ‘our’ girls grow up with positive self-esteems.
