The month of March marks the time of Women’s History Month. It is a time of remembrance and appreciation towards women and their contributions to history. Feminism back then has been important in bringing equality between both genders, and eliminating stereotypes that target women. However, even now, feminists around the world work hard to bring change.
Many have heard, or maybe even said the saying "you run like a girl." Recently a TikTok trend has changed the meaning of this saying, showing respect to the women who have been through horrors, and who have had to run to save their lives.
When it comes to the saying, it was originally meant to make fun of people for their poor athletic skills. It was used as an insult because women were mocked for their athleticism and emotions. “Women struggle with societal pressures, stereotypes, and mistreatment,” freshman Aryanna Haytasingh says, “It’s like there is an agenda for women to meet expectations, but no matter what we are still looked down upon.”
Over the years, there have been shifts in the meanings of these phrases that specifically target women. This particular saying has been criticized by women for being harmful for young girls, for discouraging them from athletic activities, for being an unfair stereotype, etc.
In the TikTok trend, people use movie clips of women running from some sort of danger, with the song Labour by Paris Paloma playing in the background. Some women share their own experiences of being in danger instead, and explain how “running like a girl” has saved their lives. “This trend brings girls together, entrusting each other with their ordeals,” said sophomore Melanie Hernandez.
The trend first originated by using a clip from the movie The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story. The film is based on a true story about a girl who had escaped her kidnapping. The story was inspiring to many young women, and encouraged them to share their stories of abuse.
Although the support for women has increased significantly, there are many who still struggle. “Even though we grew up in a generation which supports women’s rights, there are still groups, and all sorts of negativity that exists to bring women down,” said freshman Aryanna Haytasingh. “Women’s History Month raises awareness to this and shows women that they are important and have a voice,” freshman Bianca Galdino says.
Women’s History Month helps stories to be remembered and heard. “Women go through many struggles and still stay underappreciated,” freshman Alyson Thomas says. “This month is a great way to celebrate their attributions to society and hard work.”
With the strength and will of women, language and expressions will persist to evolve and redevelop, constantly being replaced with something new. "Women are beautiful and emotionally strong, our ability to be able to support each other in things is more powerful than any issues that may arise,” Hernandez says. Empowering movements from women will continue to grow, challenging the years of damaging beliefs and bigotry.
