#non-conformism

Chapter 12 –  Historical background to C18th Rational Dissenters

Religion is a word that gives rise to ruminations!  Do you think from your own mind, and are you the master of your own thoughts?  Or do you think from a higher being, perhaps from an almighty and celestial being or God?   The word religion in itself is derived from the Latin word religare or religio and it means to bind, or to bond, and thus it means to unify in a common belief. But are you a…

"When I started my music career, I was a maid. I used to clean houses. My mother was a proud janitor. My stepfather, who raised me like his very own, worked at the post office and my father was a trashman. They all wore uniforms and that’s why I stand here today, in my black and white, and I wear my uniform to honor them. This is a reminder that I have work to do. I have people to uplift. I have people to inspire. And today, I wear my uniform proudly as a Cover Girl. I want to be clear, young girls, I didn’t have to change who I was to become a Cover Girl. I didn’t have to become perfect because I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness."

- The amazing Janelle Monáe

"Rebellion is when you look society in the face and say I understand who you want me to be, but I’m going to show you who I actually am."

- Anthony Anxagorou, poet and writer

"Inspiring words of wisdom from singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe: "I feel like I have a responsibility to my community and other young girls to help redefine what it looks like to be a woman. I don't believe in men's wear or women's wear, I just like what I like. And I think we should just be respected for being an individual."  For several excellent picture books about real-life women who challenged the clothing conventions of their times, check out “You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer!” for ages 5 to 8 (http://www.amightygirl.com/you-forgot-your-skirt), “Mary Walker Wears The Pants" for ages 6 to 9 (http://www.amightygirl.com/mary-walker-wears-the-pants), and "Mermaid Queen" for ages 4 to 8 (http://www.amightygirl.com/mermaid-queen).  For Mighty Girl books for children and teens that celebrate the value of being yourself, visit our “Individuality” section at http://www.amightygirl.com/books/personal-development/values?cat=338  And, for empowering songs for your Mighty Girl's playlist celebrating individuality and independence, visit A Mighty Girl's music section at http://www.amightygirl.com/music?music_theme=75 "

As seen on the A Mighty Girl Facebook page 

"The world’s definitions are one thing and the life one actually lives is quite another. One cannot allow oneself, nor one’s family, friends, or lovers – to say nothing of one’s children – to live according to the world’s definitions: one must find a way, perpetually, to be stronger and better than that."

- Novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and social critic James Baldwin

WORDS TO  LIVE BY.