‘I’m sorry, we think we want someone…you know…someone…older?’  ‘Maybe we should have someone stronger take over the task.  How about a nice young man?  Any men willing to help her out?’

I wish I could say that I have never heard anyone say these things to me.  Unfortunately, however, I have.  Every time someone discriminates against me because of my appearance or because of my gender, the same feeling forms in the pit of my stomach.

In middle school, when I decided I was going to pursue photojournalism, a man who only knew me by my score on a completely unrelated abilities test looked me in the eye and said I was anything but fit for the job.  ‘Maybe you should pursue something more fit for a young woman,’ he said.  He then proceeded to list off jobs that he thought I would be a better fit for; fields of work that I knew would make me anything but happy.

4.21.TW

Three and a half years later, I placed second in California’s state-wide news photography and photojournalism competition.

After this man told me to give up trying to pursue photojournalism, I started working harder.  I practiced more, published my work to the public, and stopped feeling insecure about my photojournalism abilities.  However, I have still been discouraged from following my dream many times along the way.  I’ve faced people telling me not to pursue a certain assignment because it might be ‘too dangerous for a young woman.’  This caused me to wonder: if the job is dangerous, wouldn’t it be dangerous for anyone? 

I have faced rejection countless times.  At first, I absorbed these negative comments and took it to heart.  ‘Maybe I’m not cut for the job,’ I used to tell myself after somebody issued a subtle insult toward myself or my work.  I questioned whether they were right; maybe this line of work wasn’t for me.  I was so consumed by the negativity from people older than me, or from men who seemingly had ‘authority’ over me, that I was hardly paying attention to the positive feedback I received.  When I took a step back and thought about my situation, I realized I was receiving negative comments significantly less frequently than I was receiving positive comments.

Grey.Line.7

If someone tries to stop you from doing something - prove them wrong.

Grey.Line.7

This experience, as terrible as it was at the time, taught me a valuable lesson.  Never allow yourself to flounder in the face of negativity and rejection.  Instead, twist others’ deleterious comments in support of yourself.  Take their word, listen to what they are saying, and then work hard to change their opinions.  If someone tries to stop you from doing something, whether it be on the basis of of age or sex, don’t stand there passively, nodding your head in a sad agreement.  Prove them wrong.  When you believe in yourself, your skills, and your potential, no external voice stands a chance against the confidence you’ll exude from within. 

 

I'm a California native studying at Boston University for journalism with a specialization in photojournalism. I enjoy all things coffee related and I’m a sucker for cute dogs. View my work on BrittanyChangePhotography.tumblr.com.

 

Comments (0)

There are no comments posted here yet

Leave your comments

Posting comment as a guest. Sign up or login to your account.
Attachments (0 / 3)
Share Your Location