Just call me Karen

 I have found myself fighting several battles the past few months.  I guess I shouldn't use the word "fighting" because I tried very hard to be kind.  Mostly, I have felt the need to be an advocate for certain people/topics including:

    -Speaking up when a teen girl was required to pin paper towels around her shirt because it was considered too short. ( I believe that deciding what a child wears is only between them and their parents.  I also felt this was a degrading and humiliating way to handle it.) 

    -When the middle schoolers couldn't go to library because their behavior was bad for the baby goat that the teacher had in the classroom (this only turned out to be partially true, it was the teacher that couldn't handle the behavior)

    -Aiden's teacher refused to accept his late work at the end of the semester, bringing his grade from a B to a D- (after getting admin involved, we got the grade to a C-)

    -Asking the stake YW leadership to omit the word "modest" on the camp packing list. (I'm not against being modest, but against the unnecessary focus on clothing and the double standard for girls and boys.  Also, this can be very exclusive)

While I obviously felt strongly something needed to be said in each of these situations, I am a bit embarrassed that I may be getting a reputation.  I honestly do not want to be labeled as a "Karen".  I totally understand that, most of the time, these "offenses" were unknowingly committed by good people who are trying their best.  I don't want to make their lives harder.  But, I also believe people need to stand up when they see something happening they don't agree with.  Especially when children/teens are involved and learning from these scenarios.

I only write this post in the hopes that it will help future generations understand a little about me.  I do feel passionately about some things.  I will fight when I feel it necessary.  But, I sincerely hope I can do it in a kind, helpful and educational way.  In a way that helps others see my concerns, even if they don't change their minds.

I don't want to be a "fighter"  But, I will try to be an advocate.