Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Girls were encouraged to be modest and safe while boys were pushed to aim high. This societal conditioning made girls feel limited and afraid of their own identity.
In plain terms
Girls were taught to stay small while boys were told to reach for the stars.
What can you take from it?
Societal expectations can limit potential based on gender.

Where it applies

  • discussions on gender equality
  • parenting choices
  • educational bias

Putting it to work

  • challenge gender stereotypes
  • encourage all children to dream big

Questions to consider

  • How do current expectations shape children's dreams?
  • What limits do you place on yourself?

Another view

The song generalizes historical norms that may not apply universally.

More from Harry Chapin

  1. Why did the little girls grow crippled While the little boys grow strong The boys allowed to come of age The girls just came along The girls were told sing har…

    Permalink to quote #11
  2. I am the morning DJ... At W.O.L.D. Playin' all the hits for you... Wherever you may be. The bright good morning voice... Who is heard, but never seen! Feelin' …

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. There's a vacancy, won't you come to me And fill my empty spaces I'm a motel man in a promised land That's filled with empty faces So won't you bring your sorr…

    Permalink to quote #10

Related quotes

  1. It seems beyond the comprehension of people that someone can be born to draw comic strips, but I think I was. My ambition from earliest memory was to produce a…

    Charles M. SchulzCharles M. Schulz quote #1
  2. We've educated children to think that spontaneity is inappropriate. Children are willing to expose themselves to experiences. We aren't. Grownups always say th…

    Maurice SendakMaurice Sendak quote #8
  3. Children don't read to find their identity, to free themselves from guilt, to quench the thirst for rebellion or to get rid of alienation. They have no use for…

    Isaac Bashevis SingerIsaac Bashevis Singer quote #11