Today was... insightful! I find myself asking the question "who am I beyond my my stereotype?" I'm a woman so according to society, I am supposed to be emotional, sometimes irrational, dependent on the stronger sex and God forbid I want to be independent because that would mean I'm a feminist. I'm supposed to know how to cook, clean, take care of a home and typically be my significant other's silent cheerleader. I'm Nigerian and again according to stereotypes, I am loud, deceitful and basically full of myself. I'm African and so I'm underprivileged, under-educated and in need of superior guidance.
After thinking about it and getting a bit ticked-off, I decided to do the only thing i could think of; introduce you to me; I am a woman, I have my flaws but I am strong enough to embrace them, I make mistakes but I am smart enough to learn from them. Yes I am emotional but its because I believe there's nothing wrong with having a heart or being in touch with your feelings (it is a natural phenomenon, afterall). I get sad, upset and hurt like everyone else but I don't let that define who I am. I am Nigerian, a proud one at that :) I mean yea we do have a lot of issues with the corruption and the bombings but to list a few and honestly what country doesn't? What makes me proud to be Nigerian you ask? It is being part of a community that is bounded by more than nationality, bounded by a sense of camaraderie... honestly how many people can say no matter where they go, and I mean anywhere, will still be able to feel at home as long as you find your "brothers and sisters" in that place? Can you say that? I can! And last but not least, I am African. Part of a continent flowing with milk and honey, part of a revolution. We might not be there yet but I am part of that generation that will make a change.
At the end of the day, I realize I am who I choose to be and I choose to be the future, to embrace my perfect imperfections, to become a force to reckon with; gender, nationality and race aside, I want to be part of a bigger purpose. I choose to simply be me.
So food for thought... Who are you beyond your stereotype?
Signed
My Perfect Imperfection
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