Quote by Agnes Smedley
Now, being a girl, I was ashamed of my body and my lack of strength. So I tried to be a man. I shot, rode, jumped, and took part in all the fights of the boys.
Summary
In this quote, the speaker reflects upon their experience as a young girl feeling ashamed of their physical body and perceived weakness. Their response to this shame was to adopt masculine traits and activities as a way to compensate for their perceived shortcomings. They engaged in traditionally male-dominated activities like shooting, riding, jumping, and participating in fights, attempting to prove themselves and bridge the gap between societal expectations and their own inner desires for strength and empowerment. This quote highlights the pressure placed on individuals to conform to gender norms and the lengths they may go to in order to find acceptance and satisfaction in a society that devalues certain gender identities.