“I’m still not sure if I want to be a detective when I grow up or if I want to be President,” you proclaimed.
In typical parent form I responded that you have plenty of time to decide since after all, you are only 8 years old and in 3rd grade. “You’ll figure it out, baby girl. There’s lots out there for you to explore,” I told you.
While all of this is true, my own fears about the world we live in and how the world views women, and furthermore, people of color, gives me pause. It’s hard enough to be a detective, seeking truth and justice, and being President is definitely challenging. But, to be either as a woman of color? I can’t even imagine.
“I want to be the first female President!” you often tell me. “That will be so super awesome!”
It most definitely will, my baby girl. As your mom, though, I can’t help but tremble in fear just a little. I support you, I do. I will be there cheering you on – even though you told me not to vote for you just because you’re my daughter. (How rational of you, my love.) But, fear creeps in many times before I swat it away like a nasty little bug. Fear of how the world will receive you. Fear of how the world will see you before even giving you a chance. Fear of what I see going on right this very second and has been dubbed “post-racial America.”
But, then I look at you and your brother and I swat that nasty fear bug away and try to focus on hope. Because if I let fear take over, I will not be able to help you and your brother learn how to deal with what the world may throw your way. So, as I often tell you, let’s be aware, let’s learn, and let’s move on and do us.
You keep doing you, baby girl and one day, if you still decide you want to be President and no other female has accomplished that feat before you, well, I’ll see you up there Madame President!
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