Log #2

 Teach girls bravery, not imperfection.

“We’re raising our girls to be perfect, and we’re raising our boys to be brave.” the founder of the tech organization Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani said. Around the world, there are many girls taught to give sweet smiles, to get As, to be perfect as we can. Nevertheless, boys are taught to be brave to do everything they want to try.

A 1980’s research shows that bright girls were quick to give up. The higher the IQ, the more likely they were to give up. On the other hand, bright boys were energizing and willing to redouble their efforts to achieve the goals. Moreover, there is another study demonstrates that men will apply for a job if they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women will apply only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. The difference not in their ability, but in how boys and girls approach a challenge.

Honestly, before watching this TED talk, I had thought myself a brave girl for years. I went to a boarding high school when I was 14 and lived in the dormitory where without my family for two years; I went through many important exams and tried my best to go into the best school; I went to America for a two-week-exchange-student program with my classmates all by ourselves. Recalling those memories, although I experienced many different things, as the speaker said, is still not a “brave” girl but a “perfect” girl. Indeed, I urged myself to do everything well in my life. I told myself to get good grades, to perform good in contests and performances.

I am not a brave girl. When it comes to facing a challenge, the first thing comes up to my mind is how to protect myself to not get hurts or to be influenced. Similar with last TED talk I’ve watched, I learned many principles and methods to be a better and more positive person. As for being a brave person, I will start to try things that I am desiring but also scaring to do before, and also try not to avoid responsibility when I am afraid.

Finally, although the research shows that boys are braver than girls, bravery is still an enormous issue for both boys and girls. People should give themselves enough confident and courage. Therefore, no matter what challenge we face, we would always have methods and faith to solve it.

TED:https://www.ted.com/talks/reshma_saujani_teach_girls_bravery_not_perfection