Gender Inequality: The Story of Jenny
Hi, I’m Jenny! I am in fourth grade and I love playing soccer.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, I go to the park for soccer lessons.
It’s a Tuesday today, which means I have soccer! I am very happy and walk over to the park with my nanny at 4 o’ clock so I can get there extra early.
Practice is going amazing! I am having so much fun. When it’s time for a practice game, my coach makes teams. I cannot help but overhear a boy named Liam on my team say,
“Are you kidding? We have to be with a girl?” He groans. “Girls are much less sporty and athletic than guys. This is so unfair.”
The next day, I cannot stop thinking about his words, they’re constantly replaying in my mind. I eats breakfast, and think about it. I board the bus, think about it. Enter the classroom, think about it. My teacher is leads a lesson, and I thinks about it. The thoughts do not and cannot stop.
When Jenny I home, I decided to confide in someone: my Mama. With tears in my eyes, I tell her everything that Liam said and ask,
“Mommy, is it true? Are boys really stronger than girls?”
Mama responds,
“Of course not sweetie. You are strong and beautiful, never let anyone take that away from you.”
A smile spreads across my face, and I ask, “Really?”
Mama smiles right back at me. warmly at her and replies, “If someone ever makes you feel bad about yourself, you need to stand up for yourself!”
With newfound confidence, I say, “You’re right! I know exactly what I’m going to do now!”
The following day is a Thursday, meaning I have soccer again! I confidently strut onto the field and confront Liam.
“Hey! Just so you know, boys are NOT stronger than girls and you should never say that! It doesn’t make you seem cooler and it’s seriously so mean!”
Liam meets her gaze and says, “Oh, uh, sorry I guess.”
I don’t take this for an answer, angrily responding, “You can’t just say things like that! It’s messed up. Do you not realize how badly you hurt my feelings? I questioned my worth over your words. No one should ever think the things you made me think.”
Liam’s neutral expression morphs into sorry and he replies, “You’re right. I don’t know why I said that. I guess I thought it would make me feel better about myself, but I see now how wrong I was.” He goes on, “I’m so sorry Jenny, could you ever forgive me?”
“Of course I can! Everyone deserves a second chance, you know!” I chirp.
“Thank you, Jenny.” Liam sighs, “Could I give you a hug?”, he questions.
“Sure”, Jenny responds.
THE END
