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Empowerment Through Self-Sufficiency: A Response to Criticism

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Yesterday, my tweet gained significant traction on Twitter.

While enjoying a typical Sunday, I stumbled upon a post from a man disparaging a well-known woman in my country for acquiring a new car. The tweet read:

“Did you know that even after 20 years in medicine or engineering, you could never afford that car? I won’t elaborate.”

This remark highlighted a prevalent mindset in the Dominican Republic, where even with higher education, many believe women cannot purchase new vehicles without financial assistance from men.

I can relate to his viewpoint to some extent.

The average salary here is around $270 monthly. The woman in question is a communicator, and it's not unusual for women in her position to seek relationships with affluent men to gain material benefits.

While job opportunities exist, it often seems they are more accessible to men, a sentiment echoed by the man who tweeted.

In response to his comment, numerous women expressed a desire to abandon their studies, feeling their efforts were futile. It disheartened me because I firmly believe he was mistaken.

As an engineer and writer who has worked diligently since I was 18, I've achieved numerous personal milestones. Thus, I felt compelled to share an encouraging message for young women:

“After four years of engineering, I bought a Porsche. Ladies, there are paths to success that don’t rely on a wealthy partner; you are capable of so much more. I believe in you.”

I also emphasized that owning a car is not the sole indicator of success. It’s essential to prioritize what brings you peace and joy. While I have a passion for sports cars, it's crucial to remember that they are merely a means of transportation.

My goal is to inspire women in my country by showcasing that success can be achieved independently, especially in a third-world nation where educational access is often limited.

Many women lack the resources or guidance to live autonomously, which motivated me to share my message of empowerment.

Unexpectedly, my tweet went viral, garnering over 300,000 views. However, it also drew a barrage of backlash from men who seemed enraged by my success achieved on my own terms.

The Response from Men Regarding Women's Success

The reactions were varied; while many were supportive, a significant number questioned my accomplishments.

Common responses included:

“Four years of engineering just to take a picture with a parked car?”

I received around nine comments of this nature, with many men expressing disbelief that I owned the vehicle and belittling my ability to attain such a significant asset.

Many still doubt women's capacity to work hard, save, and purchase items independently, often questioning the authenticity of those who do.

“Did you study engineering while living with your parents, or did you pay your way through school?”

I encountered twelve comments insinuating that women's success is only feasible with familial support.

However, my background is one of a middle-class upbringing. After my parents fell ill with cancer, I had to start working early to support myself, financing my education and everything I possess. Thus, their assumptions were misguided.

“What you're stating doesn't add up. A Porsche costs a minimum of $50,000, while living expenses are at least $800 monthly. Your salary is likely just $500.”

I received six responses filled with calculations and Google links, as many men seem eager to display their mathematical prowess in attempts to undermine women. Yet, they were mistaken.

In reality, I earn significantly more than $500 a month. Software Engineering is among the most lucrative fields here and globally, and I have several side ventures that contribute to my income. Additionally, the price of a Porsche can vary greatly depending on the model year.

The possibility of purchasing such a vehicle through hard work exists, but many choose to critique from behind their screens instead of acknowledging this reality.

“You're lying.”

I received around eighteen comments of this sort, often without further explanation.

“You must work for the government.”

At least eleven comments suggested this. It's not surprising, as many believe their financial struggles stem from systemic barriers.

They assume that if a woman achieves success, it must be due to governmental corruption. Yet, I have never worked in government, and conducting oneself ethically is not a fault.

“You're not parked correctly.”

I received eight comments like this, where some men sought to nitpick irrelevant details in the photo instead of addressing the main point of my post.

In certain areas of the Dominican Republic, such parking is permissible if it doesn’t obstruct pedestrians, and valet services are common in restaurants, meaning my car was parked by a man.

“Show us the man who bought it for you.” / “You must be sleeping with your boss.”

At least eighteen men assumed my success was the result of male assistance, implying that it’s an affront to women to achieve independently.

These comments shared a common thread: many men refuse to accept that a woman can be intelligent and successful without male support.

They seek excuses, challenge my credibility, label me a liar, and insist that a man must be behind my achievements.

They mock the notion of a woman acquiring a vehicle through her own efforts, yet they also struggle to accept that women can possess power and independence.

The core issue is not how a woman acquires a car but rather that women are becoming more educated, empowered, and capable of making their own life choices without male influence.

This shift signifies a loss of control for some men.

Interestingly, not a single woman commented negatively on my post.

All the women who engaged were supportive, expressing joy and inspiration. They believed in my capabilities and aspired to emulate my journey.

Of course, some men genuinely supported me and celebrated women’s achievements, but unfortunately, many continue to view women as mere objects.

The Resistance to Women's Success

From my experience with the tweet, I have drawn two conclusions:

First, a significant number of men resist the idea of women succeeding because it diminishes their ability to exert control.

A woman's achievement of a degree, financial independence, and material possessions indicates that men can no longer leverage money to dominate, which threatens antifeminist attitudes.

For generations, women have endured abusive relationships due to a lack of financial independence, but that is changing. Women are now pursuing education, careers, and self-sufficiency, which understandably intimidates some men, as financial leverage is often their only offering.

They labeled me a liar and attacked me because they feared other women might recognize their own potential for independence.

Thus, it is crucial for us to continue demonstrating what we can achieve.

Secondly, I learned that no matter how hard a woman works, there will always be critics.

The woman who received a car as a gift faced backlash for being taken care of, while I was criticized for achieving success through my own efforts.

It seems that, regardless of the situation, some individuals will find fault. Therefore, the most prudent course of action is to pursue what brings you joy. Striving to please everyone is an exercise in futility.

Actions to Address the Issue

As women, we must continue to uplift one another and showcase our individual capabilities.

I was heartened to see the support from my female followers who congratulated me on my achievements. My tweet aimed to inspire others to pursue their aspirations as well.

This experience highlighted how many women remain unaware of their potential for greatness through hard work, often feeling that a wealthy partner is essential for a fulfilling life. I aspire to continue discussing the possibilities available to women and educating others about the real world.

Real men who celebrate our successes must also persist in supporting women’s inclusion in society, fostering an environment where hard work is appreciated.

Final Reflections

The insights I gathered regarding men's reluctance to see women succeed are based solely on the responses to my tweet.

While there are numerous factors to consider in this discussion, I felt compelled to address this issue because it affects countless women globally every day.

We possess the ability to achieve greatness independently, and it's crucial to help other women recognize their potential, especially those who lack the educational resources to see their own capabilities.

As I mentioned in my tweet, owning a car does not define success. Ultimately, a vehicle is just a mode of transport; what truly matters is pursuing activities that bring happiness.

I shared my tweet to inspire women by illustrating that we can attain our goals through hard work. The reference to the car stemmed from the initial tweet's attack but serves as a metaphor for broader life achievements.

Never allow anyone to convince you that you cannot achieve your goals based on your gender, nationality, race, or abilities; it's been proven that we can succeed independently.

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