My reflection in the mirror makes statements:

You are beautiful.

You are strong.

You are stepping out.

The school in my town makes statements:

You need to cover up.

You need to look like this to get an education.

You need to change.  

The men in the world make statements:

Present yourself like this.

Act like this.

Wear things like this.

Statements

Statements

Statements

School is the home of learning, but the only education I’ve received is that my    body is not beautiful- it is forbidden

The school looms above me as I become acutely aware of the curious stares

The sun on my neck, the wind in my hair tickling my bare shoulders-

Bare shoulders

Bare shoulders

Bare shoulders

My shoulders make a statement as I step out of the objectifying nature

I dressed to make statements and statements were made

Questions soon followed

Questions accompanied with tight lipped smiles and worried eyes of my peers

Questions:

Have they dress coded you yet?

Do you have to change?

Did your teachers say anything?

Did you forget your jacket?

You know you will get in trouble, right?

I am dressed

with class

but instead of being awarded with education

my class

will be cut short

Because when I am approached I do not resist.

Because when the school and the men see the statement of my shoulders

They will make statements of their own.

The school says.

The men say.

Statements:

Aubrey, you need to change.

Aubrey, we hold higher standards.

Aubrey dress professionally.

Aubrey you know the rules.

Aubrey this is for your education.

Aubrey do this.

Aubrey don’t do that.

Aubrey

Aubrey

Aubrey

I slump in defeat at the failure of the system

I can imagine my reflection crying at the implied impurity of my body as I stare at the school

I can imagine my reflection sobbing from the sexualized oppression as I look at the men

Dressed with class I react just the same, but I am making statements too:

I am beautiful.

I am strong.

I am stepping out.

Statements:

School: this does not effect my education

Men: I don’t see a problem with my clothing

School: I believe my education is more important  

Men: I believe this is your problem

School: I will wear a jacket but

Men: I respectfully disagree

My reflection no longer cries

My reflection no longer sobs

I straighten my shoulders and pull my chin up high

My statement was made;

I will not cry in defeat

Men should cry in repentance.

Schools should sob in failure.

The statement I have made reflects who I am:

I am beautiful.

I am strong.

I am stepping out.