Going Against the "Norm"

I find that during my entire upbringing I have crossed the line for the “norm” of gender or sexual behavior.  I live in a very rural area and am always out doing something in the yard.  I am the youngest of three and the only daughter in my family.  On the day that I was born, my dad told my mom that he was going to raise me just like one of the boys.  And so he did.  Most little girls got Barbie’s to play with and watched Disney princess movies all day.  Instead, I got Transformer action figures and grew up watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers.  Instead of going to dance class and out shopping, I was headed off to practice for whatever sport I was currently playing—whether it was softball, volleyball or soccer—or going hunting for whatever was in season.

When growing up, I absolutely hated getting my nails done and getting my hair all froo frooed.  What was the point if they were just going to get ruined as soon as I got home?  I still hardly ever wear make-up because I honestly do not see the point in it.  Isn’t it “what’s on the inside that counts?”  Why make myself someone that I am not?  I find that girls these days like to mask themselves just to have the slightest approval from the male population.  I believe in individuality and am not going to let someone’s opinion of “beauty” discourage me.  I am who I am.  Accept me, or move on to the next one. 

The truth is I am a girl that was born and raised in the country and am proud of it.  From my childhood, I have learned to work hard for everything I get because nothing is just handed out.  I have learned to be responsible and to take pride in everything I do.  I have learned to respect those around me and I have especially learned how to turn up that southern charm.