In 1971, Helen Ready released her song "I Am Woman." I loved her song then, and I love it now. You see, talking about gender is not something new. Having been in wildland fire for more than 30 years, I have seen the gender issue come and go. Some might say I am a survivor. I consider myself a good and loyal servant. You see, I see firefighters as humans—not male or female.The development of character is at the heart of our development, not just as leaders, but as human beings. - John Maxwell
(Photo: Brit Floyd courtesy of Pam McDonald)
This perspective allows me to live on a spectrum of color and light instead of a world in black and white (the polar ends of the spectrum) with regard to job performance. My gender has no bearing on physical ability or mental capacity and societal assumptions should not dictate whether nor not I am qualified for a job. Maybe it is time we change the way we view femininity and masculinity, be kind to one another, and embrace our differences.
Justin Baldoni shares his thoughts on redefining masculinity.
That being said...
I can do anything
I am strong
I am invincible
I am woman
Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development and member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. The expressions are those of the author.
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