“MAN UP! WOMAN UP!” You’ve heard these phrases, but what exactly does each phrase mean?  I just had to get the internet definition for myself, so you may be interested as well.

I saw definitions for it such as, “step up to the plate,” “buck up,” “toughen up!”

MacMillan Dictionary puts it best in my opinion: “to be brave or to take responsibility for the consequences of your actions.” ¹

MacMillan Dictionary also makes the following valid point: “we … seem to have come full circle, using a word infused with gender-specific stereotypes in a gender-neutral way.” ¹

I heard a different perspective from someone that made me change my tune a little bit about using such phrases as “MAN UP!” or “WOMAN UP!”  In summary basically, some perceive these phrases as phrases that don’t promote gender-equality and contribute to the great divide for men vs. women.  In addition, the author stated that sometimes we just pick things up in our everyday language and loosely use it without really considering the underlying meaning and where and how the wording derived and the impact it could have.²

That’s great food for thought.

So, I am taking a different stance and I am in no way trying to impose on your opinion or usage of any certain phrase. I am just stating my own thoughts and opinions.

I choose to take a different stance going forward due to the awesome responsibilities and privileges set before me.

Just hear me out on this.

Daily, we face an overwhelming list of to do’s and tasks that must get done no matter what.  There are actions you must put forth for yourself because no one else is going to do it for you.

Each and every single day, you have to do what it takes to advance your life.  There are things you have to do or they just won’t get done.

It is our responsibility to pursue our own dreams and goals even when those around us think we are absolutely out of our mind.

There is no need in complaining – what resolve comes from complaining anyway?

Making excuses does not lead to progress – it only leads to more frustration.

So, in order to get things done going forward, my stance is this:  I AM GOING TO “GIRD UP!”

Come on, join me, let’s start a trend.  Start tweeting this, post this on Facebook, and start using this phrase:

#GirdUp!

 

Let’s Just Do It!  Do what you have to do! #GirdUp! Get your bearings and just get it done (whatever IT is)!

"Now, gird up your loins (Get Yourself Ready) (Brace yourself) (Prepare Yourself) and arise (Stand Up), and speak to them all which I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, or I will dismay you before them.” ~ Jeremiah 1:17

 

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind (prepare your minds for action), be sober (be serious) (keep a clear head) (be perfectly attentive), and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” ~ 1 Peter 1:13

 

References: 1. BuzzWord MacMillan Dictionary http://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/buzzword/entries/man-up.html

 

2. 5 Sexist Words And Phrases We Need To Stop Saying

By Zaren Healey White

May 12, 2014 http://www.rolereboot.org/culture-and-politics/details/2014-05-5-sexist-words-phrases-need-stop-saying/

 

Chaitra Hall

MTN Universal, LLC

 

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