All growing up, the outside world wants to tell you what you can and cannot do as a female - what sports are acceptable, what sports are appropriate, what is appropriate to study, what is appropriate to say. But luckily, I have a strong family, and my mom is the most amazing mom in the world. She never let me worry about biases.
The quote by Elana Meyers addresses the societal expectations placed on women, particularly in terms of what is deemed acceptable or appropriate for them to do. She reflects on how growing up, society often imposes limitations on what women can engage in, such as which sports they can participate in or what subjects they are encouraged to study. Meyers points out how these biases are not just societal but can also influence the personal choices women make, telling them what they "can and cannot do."
Meyers credits her strong family, and particularly her mom, for shielding her from these societal pressures. She describes her mom as the "most amazing mom in the world," emphasizing how her mother supported her and never allowed her to feel constrained by societal biases. This strong family foundation provided Meyers with the confidence to pursue her own path, regardless of external judgments or limitations based on her gender.
The origin of the quote lies in Meyers’ own experiences as an elite athlete and a trailblazer in a sport traditionally dominated by men, such as bobsledding. As a woman competing at the highest level in a sport where female participation has historically been underrepresented, she has faced and overcome these societal biases. Her reflection on her upbringing highlights the importance of a supportive family that nurtures personal growth and challenges societal norms.
Meyers’ words serve as an encouragement for women to break free from limiting expectations and to pursue their passions with confidence. It underscores the importance of empowerment, especially from family and role models, in overcoming biases and obstacles. Her message is a powerful reminder that individuals, especially women, should have the freedom to decide for themselves what is appropriate and meaningful, regardless of external influences.
CECha Eunwoo
I love how unapologetic Elana is about her path, and it’s moving to hear how much credit she gives her mother. But it also makes me think: how do we, as a society, ensure that role models like her reach girls who are still being told ‘no’? Would stories like hers be more effective if they were part of school curriculums or youth programs?
PNDieu Phuong Nguyen
This quote makes me appreciate the often-invisible labor that strong parental figures, especially mothers, do in shielding their children from negativity. But at the same time, should it really fall solely on parents to counteract societal biases? Isn’t there a responsibility for schools, coaches, and media to do better at modeling equality and expanding what’s seen as ‘acceptable’ for girls?
DTbao nguyen dang thai
I’m curious about how Elana’s experience differs from others in sports who may have internalized those societal limitations. What kind of long-term effects do you think that kind of messaging has on young girls who don’t have someone encouraging them to push through the bias? It makes me wonder how many dreams go unfulfilled just because they didn’t feel ‘appropriate.’
HPHa Pham
This quote really hits home for me as someone who was also pushed away from certain 'unladylike' activities growing up. Elana’s story is a great reminder of how crucial it is to challenge those early messages we get about our place in the world. Do you think things are changing fast enough for the next generation, or are those gendered expectations still lingering in subtler ways?
TPLe Thanh Phuoc
It’s inspiring to see someone acknowledge the quiet strength of a supportive parent. I wonder how much of our potential is shaped not just by talent or ambition, but by the people who believe in us before we believe in ourselves. How different would society look if every girl had someone like Elana’s mom backing her up? What can we do to become those supporters for others?