now is the time

they say

that women

have more liberties

more chances

more power

more more more

 

but the attitude remains the same

we are still second-class citizens

 

why do companies prefer to use an

attractive female

in their advertisements

rather than an equally

attractive male

 

why do movies and television

send the message

that the ultimate prize for women

is to have a man

 

why do we still

make 77 cents to your dollar

for the same work

 

not much has changed

 

we tell our daughters

to wear makeup

to get a boyfriend

to get married

to stay at home

to have lots of children

 

and god forbid

you are too smart

boys don't like smart girls

you intimidate them

they like it when

you play dumb

 

we teach our daughters

to emulate barbie dolls

because that's what

a woman should look like

 

they grow up

flipping through magazines

wanting to be just like

that model

 

but the model grew up

just like her

now she is six feet tall

and weighs 95 pounds

because she can't be beautiful

otherwise

 

when is this going to end

 

i'm tired of feeling

inadequate

because i don't weigh a certain amount

and i have acne

and i don't like makeup

and i get good grades

 

unfortunately

i don't see it getting

any better

anytime soon

 

is now the time?