At a candidate forum over the weekend, I mentioned to another candidate (a man) that he should not refer to his granddaughter as “bossy.” While the majority of the crowd cheered and even a few stood up and applauded, the gentleman and his supporters were not happy. They took it as a ‘cheap shot’ that should not have been taken.
I had no choice.
Several weeks ago, I wrote and delivered a speech titled, “The Things We Need To Do After We March.” I spoke of all the times I was told I could not do something. I spoke of the things I did despite being told I could not do them. I spoke of the things other women have been told they could not do and did. I spoke of the things we could do moving forward to help our daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, girlfriends, and ALL the women in our lives succeed. And, I spoke of the words we need to change, not only in our own vocabulary, but in the vocabulary of others. I promised to speak out every time I heard someone, man or woman, use these words and suggest they use a different word instead.
I asked my audience at that first speech to do the same, that it is the only way we are going to change the world. That is to be brave and speak up and demand that change. Here are the the ten words/phrases I think we need to change sooner rather than later and what we should use instead for everyone:
- pushy – assertive
- bossy – leader
- calm down – go for it
- emotional – passionate
- overbearing – really smart
- hormonal – how can I help you
- can’t – can
- don’t – do
- won’t – will
- no – yes
Something as simple as one word or phrase makes all the difference in how we perceive ourselves and others view us.
Dear Mr Candidate, it was not a cheap shot. It was a free success lesson I hope you, your family, and your granddaughter remember for life. She will grow up to be a great leader someday if you encourage her with the right words and actions.
Note: Incumbent Texas 36 Congressman Brian Babin has said, “Sometimes a lady needs to be told when she is being nasty.” I don’t think he is going to understand this lesson. Help me replace him! Donate here.