9 Times A Woman Said Screw You & Did It Her Way
“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
Those wise words came from Margaret Thatcher and they are without question; the realest words, I never wrote. Like most women, nearly all of the time, Margaret was right (LOL)! Women are and have always been doers, we seldom sit around discussing what needs to be done because we know…IT NEEDS TO BE DONE!
One of the greatest strengths of being a woman is our inclination to just do the work. We may not always be politically correct but who cares as long as we get results. We don’t approach things with our hands out or asking tons of questions; If we needed something, we get it, and if we see a void; we fill it! Lastly, if the rules have to be broke, we are not afraid to break them.
This year, there were so many women who refused to be held back by anyone or anything. I’m talking about women who kicked major ass despite what others thought, women who were not afraid to fall because they knew that the chance of flying was greater. Women like you, your mother, and maybe your best friend who didn’t hesitate to write their own rules even if it meant risking it all.
1. FLOTUS, Michelle Obama
All first ladies enter the White House with an agenda, knowing that the platform that they have is greater than any other. However, there has never been a FLOTUS who took advantage of titles like Michelle Obama. Our current First Lady entered the White House with a bang, she dismissed all of the unspoken rules that had been written before her. From her personal style to her willingness to speak her mind about women’s issue; it soon became clear that this FLOTUS would make herstory great…and that she did, over and over and over again!
2. Amandla Stenberg
There aren’t many who are bold enough to go toe to toe with the Kardashians. And of those who do, not many come away with the “W.” But Amandla Stenberg did! “The Hunger Games” actress, got into a bit of a Instagram beef with Kylie Jenner that was one of the most intellectual reads ever. The beef started when Amandla used a photo of Kylie in her video, “Don’t Cash Crop My Cornrows.” Of course the Kardashians and their fan base came for her but she stood her ground and clapped back with “Words By Me.” While Kylie may have been a little too shallow to get it, Amandla painted a vivid picture of the differences between black and white women in society.
3. Amber Rose
Amber Rose is always in the spotlight for one reason or another but her greatest and most meaningful press came as she spoke out against slut shaming. Amber has never shied away from who she is and the things that she has done, and that is clearly what has contributed to her celebrism. While she has been targeted many times, she refuses to let that stop her and she uses her platform to speak against that behavior. Despite what others said, and all the doors that were slammed in her face, Amber put together a “slutwalk” this year, putting the spotlight on all of those who have been victimized and blamed.
4. Misty Copeland
The American Ballet Theatre is 75 years old, in that 75 years there as never been an African-American principal dancer…until now. Misty Copeland, broke the mold but not without being faced with adversity. She just all of the hate and doubt she experience as fuel and now here she is. Misty has become a role model and an inspiration for so many young girls by turning her can’t into a can.
5. Ashleigh Shackelford
One of “the game’s” unwritten rules is that you don’t pluck or ruffle the feathers of the big birds! However, Ashleigh Shackelford did just that when she penned an article for BuzzFeed titled, “The Body Positivity Movement Looks A lot Like White Feminism.” Many individuals were outraged while others supported her (some silently) but it started a conversation that needed to be had. Despite the position that you take concerning the issues or the article you have to admit that it took some big balls for Ashleigh to stand alone and express her thoughts knowing that she was facing the big birds.
6. Sitting Pretty
While Lolo and her Sitting Pretty vlog may not be a household name, her story is such an inspiration. Lolo was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 14 but she didn’t allow that to stop her from living her dreams. Although Lolo is able to walk, it is very hard so she uses a wheelchair. While she could have given up a long time ago, she continues to do things on her own terms. She left home and moved to L.A. to attend college. Following graduation, Lolo started her vlog to show that being disabled doesn’t mean that you can’t live life to the fullest. She encourages wheelchair-bound women to sit pretty and live the life they dream of.
7. Erykah Badu
Since she stepped on the scene, Erykah Badu has been a force to be reckoned with. She has never allowed public opinion to change her and she plays by her own rules even when they are frowned upon. Erykah, who is known for getting rappers caught in her web, admits that she is a little hard to love because she will make you, “change jobs and change Gods.” This year she really scored major points with me and women of our generation as she shared her truth in regards to getting older and the changes in her body. Erykah even went as far as to unmask and show herself in her natural state, no makeup and sporting grey hair. All of this paired with her music and her amazing spirit is proof that she really is “The Illest Chick.”
8. Biggalyoga
This year, Biggalyoga really helped bring body positivity to the forefront. For as long as I can remember, society has been telling fat girls what we can’t do, who we aren’t and who we can never be. You have to be bold and confident enough to dismiss that and do exactly what you want to do and how you want to do it. This is the stance that Biggalyoga has taken. She refuses to be confined to any box because of her size. Who says fat girls can’t do yoga? Who said that we are not in tune with our mind, body and soul?And who said that all bodies aren’t beautiful? Whoever said it lied and Biggalyoga proves them wrong daily!
9. K. Michelle
K. Michelle has an amazingly strong voice and not just as a singer. She is known for keeping it “all the way” 1000 about everything around her and sometimes that lands her on folks bad side (not that she cares). For years there have been rumors that K. Michelle had used surgery as a way to achieve the figure that she wanted. This year, not only did she admit to having the procedure that enhanced her butt, she spoke openly about her desire to reclaim her original size. Welp, in an era where butt enhancement is the new normal, K. Michelle has made a bold move that proves just how bad ass she really is.
The women listed only represent a few of those who have taken the bull by the horns this year, trust me, there are many many more.
Who are some that made your list (if you had one)? Chime in ladies and tell us what you think.
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