Freedom … [caged]…

I was told that I have free speech, That I could say what was on my mind and no one could judge me. But they also told me, since I was young, That if I had nothing nice to say then no to say it at all. I was told I could be anything I wanted to be, That if I worked hard nothing could stand in between me and my dreams. But they also told me, since I was young, That if I couldn’t afford it, then my dreams was a waste of time and to sink into reality. I was told that this was a land of equality, That it didn’t matter that I was a girl or Hispanic, because we are all human. But they also told me, since I was young, That people would judge me, because girl are said to be weak and Hispanics aren’t as good because they are a minority. I was told that I had rights, That protected me and made sure there was justice. But they also told me, since I was young, That sometimes laws don’t always work in favor of the innocent and injustice and corruption rum rampant. I was told that I had freedom, That I was what I was and no one could change me. But they also told me, since I was young, That I would have to change… That I would have to act a certain way… That I would have to speak a certain way… That I would have to dress a certain way… All of this to function in a society, which promises me, free speech, advancement, equal opportunity, rights and freedom. I might be “free” but apparently, I’ll never be me…