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Only boys were allowed to have fun
By Susan George · · From The Little Things
There was so much I was not permitted to do as a child, ’cos of being born a girl, in 1938.
Girls are quiet. Girls behave politely. Girls do not climb trees. Girls do not go running and jumping. Girls do not get muddy knees. Girls are sweet, clean and well mannered. Girls are not boisterous of rowdy.
It seemed only boys were allowed to have fun. Boys could be rowdy, it was considered high spirited in a boy. Such behaviour for a girl was considered shamefully ill mannered.
My brother was permitted to go by bus to visit our cousins a short distance away. Aunt often suggested I go as well. She and I could paddle together, she said, while the boys played their own games. My Father said, "NO".
I survived my restrictive childhood. I refused to fall into the trap of a young marriage promoted by my elders.
As a determined young adult my world blossomed. I studied for a good job which gave me ‘earning power’, with this comes a freedom not achieved by a lot of women in my age group. I travelled widely; l married a wonderful man. Together, we worked in the ‘wilds’ of a developing country. And together we have brought up three loving daughters.
I have encouraged our girls to view the whole world as their domain; to learn; to have an opinion; to seek adventure; to follow their dreams; to push for ‘a fair go’; to promote kindness; and give love. I’m proud to say my children are living caring lives. They are bringing up their children to be forward thinking and comfortable around the whole globe.
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