Independence

The Fourth of July was quite eventful for me, as were the days leading up to it: pool, fireworks, beer pong, darts, a couple of cookouts, more fireworks. It's always fun to watch gunpowder explode in various colors and patterns, especially when it's happening in the street in front of someone's house. I don't think I've ever celebrated the Fourth of July to the extent that this one was celebrated; I'm not that patriotic. But it was still a fun several days.

Today, however, was less celebratory. I received official notification that I've been turned down for a job in voluntary service because I'm not married. The job description didn't call for a married couple when I started the application, but it was changed somewhere in the midst of the process. Still, I don't understand why my marital status is the least bit relevant. I live by myself now, and yes, it's different from living alone in Vietnam, but I know several people who have done it and one who's doing it right now. Would being attached to another person make me a better teacher? I can't see how. Are these people afraid of a single woman who is self-sufficient? Do they think I need a man to keep me under control or something?

If you're going to pass me over for a job based on my qualifications, that's fine. I can accept that. But if you're going to pass me over because of my marital status, I can't accept that. I thought we were past that; I was under the impression that a person's worth was measured by his/her individual qualities, not by his/her ability to find a mate. Apparently, though, being an independent woman isn't conducive to getting the job I want.