You think it is bad now for girls-let me tell you about 1950,s

[Stargazer99]

At 15 I wanted to learn how to be a mechanic and I was told girls don't do that. I would have made a good one as my natural father used to repair coal fired engines and I think my brain reflected his that had to have excellent spacial skills. I elected to go into science class in the 1950,s and was given the flack that girls don't do that. As an adult I ground a reflecting telescope as my interest were in science and stars and how the universe fit things together. unfortunately I lost my education fleeing the family I was with (my aunties) because of sexual harassment by that family member. I had an above IQ and could have made a decent living with an occupation but that was never to happen because I was a young girl trying to keep myself safe from a male family member. I got away from possible incest but lost my dream as a kid. This was not my fault. In general I don't like men, but as my grandson says to me "Gramma men aren't all bad" I just don't automatically trust men or look up to them.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

1. I was quite athletic as a youngster. I would climb & hang out in trees, run fast, climb hills & valleys. At first it

was to get away from my big family, and then I loved the feeling of accomplishment and strength. So my mother sent my brothers to swim lessons, and she sent me to the Convent to learn to sew and iron pleats in my skirts - a complete disaster. I sewed the piece of linen to my skirt and screwed up the pleats. The nuns were horrified. I wanted to go to swim lessons so bad, but it was not to be. Longer story short, I learned to swim as an adult, and am now training for a 70+ free style competition.

[erronis]

5. So glad you found what you wanted. So sad that parents limit their children's possibilities.

In some cases those limits are purposeful - we don't want little Mary to study science or be an athlete.

But in many cases they are because the parents themselves are unable to think outside of their "programs" - established in the families or by churches, etc.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

9. I was being trained to be a good wife, mother, & home maker.

My parents were born in the late 1919’s early 1920’s to ethnic families w/deep held beliefs. This was simply the order of life. My mom did get a little radical later in life. She became “Another Mother For Peace” during Vietnam War when my brother was over there.

Thank you for your kind words. I’m a bit of an inspiration for some of my fellow younger swimmers.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

2. You would have been a real asset to the field of mechanics because of your passion, understanding, follow through,

and those extra skills that contribute to a highly skilled specialist. I see so many older males who retire and land comfortably in related areas of their expertise, and I think about the women....

[2naSalit]

3. And well into...

The 1970s. I not only had to escape incest but had younger siblings to raise/protect. I know your story well, it's our story. The story of every woman with a dream until we made change happen. Looks like we have to do it again.

[onethatcares]

4. listen to this little ditty

I'm going to be an engineer by Peggy Seeger

[erronis]

6. Lyrics

https://genius.com/Peggy-seeger-gonna-be-an-engineer-lyrics

[JanMichael]

7. All men may not be "bad" but enough are to ruin the world.

There are times that it is just embarrassing, or causes painful acknowledgement of issues, to be a male.

I was only physically abused by a male. Sure there is emotional abuse by all genders but suffering physical (which runs from striking all the way to sexual) abuse as a child does something to you that is hard to describe.

[no_hypocrisy]

8. And brain-washing via wholesome, family shows like "Father Knows Best":

Goodness! Betty might ruin her chances to get married -- ever!!!

[erronis]

10. Wow. I'm old enough to have watched that. It's incredible.