Uyinene Mrwetyana. If you have been keeping up with the news, this name will look familiar. The story of Uyinene was one that lingered in my mind for awhile now. Every time I thought about her, I would feel a surge of anger, pain, fear and disgust. It would all lead me to say “I am sorry.” I am sorry that she was belittled to a piece of meat, sorry that she was disrespected for simply being a woman. During this whole time, I could not bring myself to write anything, and finally words flowed into my mind and unto paper. This is titled “I Am Tired” because indeed I am tired.
I am tired,
tired of being put into society’ box.
tired of the “women are meant to be wives”, and the “your skirt is too short”.
I am tired.
Tired of being told to be quiet when I speak out.
Tired of being a second class citizen in a world where we “fight” for equity and equality.
I am tired.
Tired of being told that my ambitions are too big and that I am too bold.
I am tired.
Tired of being the woman you want me to be.
But most of all,
I am tired of looking over my shoulder when I’m walking.
Tired of the “hey, sweetheart” and the “ayo ma!”
I am tired.
Tired of being reduced to a piece of meat and being disrespected.
I am tired. Tired of the men who feel that just because my skirt is short, it’s an invite. I am more than my legs, I am more than my hips and curves, I am more than a pretty face and brown eyes.
I am more than a piece of meat.
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