By Katalina Lawrence

Senior Staff Writer

The new “Ban Bossy” campaign focuses on encouraging women to pursue their ambitions, and changing the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can.

The campaign director, Sheryl Sandberg, and Leanin.org confront the double-standard of women being considered as “too stubborn” and “hard-headed” when they are being assertive, while men who act assertive are viewed as a “boss” and a “leader” that was just taking care of business.

Many women that I know, myself included, are strong people that are never afraid to go after what they want. None of them should ever be seen as anything less than a leader. This is why I am in love with the “Ban Bossy” campaign.

The campaign is made to spread the awareness on the word bossy itself. These negative terms prevent girls from being leaders and speaking out because she risks being called “bossy” by men and even some women. These kinds of words can make women become less interested in leadership positions, and I do not think we should be held back any longer. I am sure the word bossy has come out of my mouth before, not even realizing the weight it carried onto the person I was directing it towards.

CSUSM students, male and female alike, should take a second look at the words we all use to brand others, and try to recognize it’s impact. Ladies, do not be afraid to be ambitious. Please remember that you have the power within to lead, even if there are people that are intimidated by your strength. I think we are all too beautifully complex to be called anything smaller than what we truly are. So if anyone has labeled you a high handed and overbearing term, just say to yourself- I am not hard headed, I am the boss. I am not outspoken, I am the boss. I am not BOSSY, I am the boss.