As a Good Christian Child, I Internalized These 6 Misogynist Beliefs
Elizabeth Lesser and other feminist leaders empower me to revoke childhood teachings to set the record straight.
My dad and older brother wrestled on the floor as my mom captured the entertainment on video. At five years old, I felt eager to join. But when I got knocked over, I grew angry. Instead of consoling me, they laughed at me; then, my brothers’ theatrical karate moves took centerstage.
Pouting in the corner, my child-self accepted that my emotions were ridiculous. I’m not cool enough.
A patriarchal Christian lens informed my world beliefs. I unknowingly developed internalized misogyny. I became “one of the boys” to avoid seeming weak. Subconsciously, I equated feminine with stupid; believing men were inherently better. If God says so, they must be.
As I grew up, I felt too fierce to ever depend on a husband, asking for money or permission. Instead, I used people-pleasing, over-achieving, and perfectionism to secure independence. I lost my authenticity.
When I dove into shadow work nine months ago, I discovered significant repressed anger. Sorting through waves of pain now, I ponder: How do women move forward from a lifetime of emotional…
