So Much More
Why is it that women feel the need to downplay their accomplishments, their specialness, their unique contributions to the world? Maybe not all women do this, but many I know (barring a few enlightened ones and a couple narcissistic ones) do. Why? I can't answer for every woman, but I know mine stems from a culture of claiming it's a sin to think highly of yourself. I understand conceit is an ugly thing sometimes, especially when applied to superficial things like looks or position in society, but can't conceit be a positive thing too? Why can't I be proud of my special set of skills? Perhaps, if I acknowledge that I am good at things, I will be more inclined to use those talents for the benefit of others. Look up the word "proud" in the dictionary. Go ahead. I'll wait. Do you notice anything interesting about the definitions? I am struck by the antonymous nature of the two entries. The first has a distinctly positive connotation. And, the senten...