Blythe Baird - Girl Code 101

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Blythe Baird, performing at NPS 2014 in Oakland, CA.
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Button Poetry is committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for spoken word and performance poetry.
We seek to showcase the power and diversity of voices in our community. By encouraging and broadcasting the best and brightest performance poets of today, we hope to broaden poetry's audience, to expand its reach and develop a greater level of cultural appreciation for the art form.

[@NathalieAmazan17]

"This is not female privilege, this is survival of the prettiest" Damn.

[@mae__1810]

Also watch "When the fat girl gets skinny"

[@elizabethrose3703]

+JelMae Sama I loved that one

[@vandyke4775]

Well then...... looks like I'm the first one to die then.....

[@arachnidsinmyguts1899]

Yeah that line was pretty cool

[@user-sb9mv3yn4p]

I looked at this the second she said it

[@PingTheAwesome]

"You're so funny" "Please don't touch me."

[@leynalouise5329]

+Glacia not at all. it's survival for the guys, gals and non binary pals who live in this fucked up generation

[@alixclarke2645]

+Leyna Louise thanks for adding non binary pals

[@ck-im3vu]

@@leynalouise5329 Ooooooo Thomas Sanders!!!!!!!!!!

[@Melcatsite]

What you say v. How you feel

[@purpledenied]

This is me every day at school. And now I have to worry about being surrounded because PTSD has finally kicked in, so I suppose I can say goodbye to the feeling of being safe..

[@HeartlandFan28]

"Male kindness is so alien to us, we assume it is seduction every time." It's depressing how truthful this statement is.

[@glitteringtrash6310]

Ik

[@johnyliltoe]

I've become afraid to be overly kind in fear of giving the wrong impression and breaking a girl's heart. Even in reserved kindness I find myself assuring a girl that I'm just commenting, not hitting on her. Not to say I have it hard, but it saddens me that I live in a world where a simple smile, my default expression, can be considered suspect and not without reason.

[@IWTBFOY]

nice guys finish last :(

[@NinaNeko4]

Victor Nguyen Nice guys will always "finish last" if they keep seeing women as finish lines.

[@johnyliltoe]

Nina Vincent Thank you for putting into words that mysterious something I've felt uncomfortable about with that phrase.

[@kennedymitchell2754]

"Male kindness is so alien to us, we assume it's seduction every time." This is so true

[@HeleenaZenna]

this was my favorite line

[@lauchhochneun]

Kennedy Mitchell And that is so damn sad!

[@asylum1396]

This is the line that hits the hardest

[@Lavenderia554]

***** You are really lucky. :)

[@michelangelothedumb4653]

***** Nice and kind are different, completely. But I do agree with you.

[@Bitesizeninjapandaz]

"Give me a city where my body is not public property." perfect

[@DeadpoolUniverse]

Lodon, new york, los angels, Atlanta, Richmond, Houston, Dallas, Panama city i can keep going?

[@HI-bw2gt]

Arthur Morgan in most if not all them city’s a women has been raped or assaulted, most men (not all) assume because a girl is wearing a smaller skirt or has some cleavage showing they have a right to her body, sometimes even when she is fully covered, and if she doesn’t willing give it to him he will take it, he will rape or assault her Leaving a trail sadness, distraught and sometimes death ruining her and her loved ones life, and if she does speak up, which most don’t, what she was wearing will be blamed, “oh you was in your school uniform which is mandatory to wear in order for you to get an education, that’s the problem. ITS YOUR FAULT” women should not have to leave the house terrified every day they might get cat-called, assaulted or raped. I can keep going.

[@HI-bw2gt]

Arthur Morgan oh so you not even gonna answer now... come on you said you can keep going so do

[@DeadpoolUniverse]

@@HI-bw2gt omfg so I don't respond in a day so you complain, but men can and have been raped TOO by men and WEMON so both have this problem, also proper functioning or sane man or woman should think that are initialed to anybody's body for any reason. With this these city's big law don't say or justify rape at all so understand the context first, Also men are more likely to be victims of violent crimes and nobody cares nor says anything and men are the number suicide victims and again nobody cares or says anything but I'm sorry I care to be equal and not have one over the other my bad

[@DeadpoolUniverse]

@@HI-bw2gt why haven't you responded yet it's only been a minute, it's only like you could be doing something in your personal life and not paying attention to a KZbin comment section or something.

[@jesmens]

"I feel pretty in a dress but powerful in a suit."

[@jamiwami7280]

but mate if you make a dress would you feel empowered

[@trinityt7708]

Yes I love that line and hey Killjoy.

[@dabhowlter4781]

i love that line.

[@titikshagupta9909]

It hit so hard

[@drkim4077]

This hit home

[@keyralites]

"we convinced ourselves there is protection in being polite." Girl, this is so true.

[@AloysiusWaffle]

Mr Big WHAT THE FUCK

[@-hamilton-9151]

she said that exactly when I read it-

[@purpledenied]

This is true until you meet someone who doesn’t care how you treat them cause they have one goal.

[@dvb5670]

@Mr Big coming from the asshole who calls them rug munchers.

[@goodolmeplant5809]

@Mr Big how are women rug muchers? And why are you so annoying?

[@GryffindorTheAwesome]

"Give me one accomplishment of Mary's that did not involve her vagina" Wow. This was intense. Great job.

[@IWTBFOY]

Jesus Christ that was powerful.

[@SamHackenson]

Victor Nguyen I see what you did there.

[@weirdhybrid]

However powerful, it's not entirely true. It's her claim to fame, for lack of a better word, but ignorance of Mary's life beyond her "accomplished vagina" doesn't mean it wasn't meaningful. This line, it seems, is meant to illustrate our tendency to minimize women to their ability to serve men, in Mary's case by simply being the woman from whom Jesus was born. I get that. Fair point. But at the same time, I'd like to hear a poet describe the incredible life that woman must have lived beyond Jesus' birth.

[@lilykep]

weirdhybrid The point is that Mary's life beyond her giving birth is largely unknown by most people. If you ask most people (religious leaders included) "What did Mary do?", they will pretty much only say she gave birth to Jesus, as if that is the only important thing about her. The poet is pointing out, rather than excusing, that failure of society.

[@GryffindorTheAwesome]

Orlando Dantes I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or didn't read the comments. I'm leaning towards sarcasm.

[@sammarquez1593]

Her last sentence was so powerful it gave me chills, "one my friend and I got cat called, she said fuck you and I said thank you, like I was trained too". That is so true though it just says how we are objectified and not human beings

[@embersofficial9567]

Titi Marquez It's terrifyingly honest.

[@purpledenied]

I’d have the second response since we are told since birth to be polite.

[@ZoeAlexa11]

This is the feminism I support

[@ari-gm1hc]

me too

[@linny3012]

+dog mom ari pham

[@ffgghhhh7857]

Exactly!!!!!

[@harls3337]

same

[@mishazaheer9254]

Same here :)

[@tlizspear]

"Boys who made welcome mats out of our yoga pants" Holy shit

[@toottootmyskinflute8719]

Boyth who made wecome matth out of our yoga panths*

[@aracelystorrs8297]

+toot toot my skin flute wow. you're so funny. good job.

[@toottootmyskinflute8719]

Thankyou

[@nmp3]

"Give me one accomplishment of Mary's that did not involve her vagina" I quoted this for my mom today and she got up and said "Preach baby!" while my step-dad rolled his eyes. If that doesn't say anything to you, I don't know what would.

[@jennamarshall993]

Well she was “virgin Mary” so she just raised Jesus. She didn’t conceive him

[@greenapple1470]

Jenna Marshall yeah but she did give birth to him.

[@aomich]

Well that's not exactly the point. Mary's purpose was to give birth to our Lord and Saviour. She might have done other stuff that are worth mentioning but the focus of the Bible is JESUS. Its not abt Him being a man but about Him being God and saving us from death. I do like this poem and the way she says it but Mary isn't an ideal example because what she was able to do is a great privilege. She was chosen by God and that is so important.

[@raffistewartx3]

I am so in love with this. I actually teared up because of how truthful and intense some of it was. "This is not female privilege, this is survival of the prettiest." Button Poetry, your videos are beautiful and your comment section is positive. I think you are my new favorite channel.

[@lyka57]

EXACTLY, I LOVE THIS CHANNEL

[@jayperez5239]

O i believe you a lot because my friend and rand a book and ti said that all you said

[@supernova1411]

I actually teared up at, "And I wonder what it say's about me that I feel pretty in a dress, but powerful in a suit" And I actually sarted to bawl my eyes out when I read a comment of a female that said "I don't know because I'm not ALLOWED to wear one"

[@harrietmilton8397]

"One time, my friend and I were cat-called on Michigan avenue and she said 'Fuck you' while I said 'thank you.' Like I was trained to."

[@thatkidfrombandclass7106]

Ikr?! So powerful!!

[@aurisb3800]

Harriet Milton such a beautiful ending to beautiful poetry.

[@courteneyconway9343]

that's my all-time favorite line!!

[@darkdramon2000]

I'm going to quote from Louis C.K on this: "I don't think women are better than men, but I think men are worse than women" I'm a guy and I couldn't agree more.

[@darkdramon2000]

Looking back on this comment, I kinda did...I feel incredibly stupid now.

[@poppyb7720]

lmao you need to come back again hahaha

[@anushreemishra2878]

thats kinda true..im not afraid of random women I see on the street but I try not to make eye contact with older men

[@selineromero27]

I've never heard this before but I like it

[@Kaiisdreaming]

Yeah I think I easily say I agree

[@Upprorr]

"I wonder what it says about me that I feel pretty in a dress, but powerful in a suit." holy mother of god that is the best thing I've ever heard.

[@caprice5491]

This is not female privilege this is survival of the prettiest.

[@leynalouise5329]

you always here survival of the fittest. not survival of the prettiest or richest.

[@frycalamari7870]

"fittest" in this case does not necessarily mean muscles, or physical strength. It means those most/best suited to survive. If you're rich, you're better suited to survive. If you're pretty, you're better suited to survive. If you're strong, you're better suited to survive. It's Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection which falls under his Theory of Evolution. A good example of good looks making you better off is birds. A bird will often compete for a mate based off looks. This is because female birds believe those that are prettiest will help birth better offspring. It has to do with the fact that looks get transmuted through bloodline. So a good looking mate, will produce good looking offspring, which in turn will grow up and continue to be good looking and easily find a mate. The whole game of life is to continue your species by producing offspring, and that's what it means to survive. A girl who is pretty has a better chance of being courted than a girl who is not. Obviously evolution and natural selection gets thrown through a loop when the concept of society is involved, but the principle is still the same.

[@fauna575]

"We are the girls taught to survive by using our bodies as Swiss Army knives" holy heck I love this poem

[@geesevongoose]

"Give me a city where my body is not public property" I...I don't even have the words. Just, thank you. Spot on.

[@DeadpoolUniverse]

@Mr Big lodon, new york, los angels, Atlanta, i can keep going?

[@storm_ace6410]

Arthur Morgan stop

[@goodolmeplant5809]

@Mr Big and why are their so few cities where women are respected and not treated as objects?

[@dieforglitter]

"We are easily startled... who wouldn't be?" That's sadly and painfully true.

[@faithgadson]

"the year dad says wearing short skirts in the city is like driving without a seatbelt." wow. deep. 👏

[@rjwoer]

Brilliant. I'm a high school teacher and during our poetry unit I play a poem at the start of each class. This will be one of them. Thank you.

[@shaneyawlover]

When you do, I would love to hear about the reaction from the students

[@phildowd5106]

Aren't teachers supposed to be, you know, non opinionated in the classroom?

[@pattysmith1379]

Phil Dowd no. they are supposed to have opinions, and allow students to develop their own opinions (even if they are different) as well. no one is opinion-less.

[@rjwoer]

***** yes, thank you. Exactly right. I will let them come up with their own thoughts. It's a well done, provocative piece which I think will resonate with them.

[@rjwoer]

Keep in mind also, this can be analyzed from the standpoint of craft, not just content. It's far more important that I bring them quality content which is thought-provoking, than I worry about somehow letting my "opinion" leak out. My students are free thinkers; they can handle my opinion if it enters the conversation.

[@HeyItsIrish1013]

This poem is amazing and I can't ignore the "Yeah!" male shout of approval at "This is not female privilege, this is survival of the prettiest." It made me smile, lol.

[@1Dfangirl97]

This is so intense and so beautifully truthful. The way she sincerely acknowledges her own internalized misogyny completely blew me away. Great job.

[@kori2169]

I totally agree.

[@SamHackenson]

I was fearing the comment section because they're usually awful on poems like this and I was delighted to find only 1 misogynistic comment. Beautiful poem! Very powerful and to the point.

[@raffistewartx3]

I was as well. I get attacked on KZbin all the time for expressing feminist views. But I, too, found the poem amazing and am super happy to see likeminded people in the comments section.

[@ThisIsBrooklyn03]

Sam Hackenson I was too but I think the reason there really aren’t none is bc of how true this poem really is

[@aileenzhao7951]

Comment sections on videos from this channel are usually really nice, I love it.

[@ifcoltransg2]

@Mr Big We're just trying to support the art we love here. I'm sure you think your hurtful (and often nonsensical) comments are funny, but wouldn't you rather tell jokes that uplift everyone who reads them, rather than disgust everyone but you?

[@ifcoltransg2]

​@Mr Big I don't believe that who we are has any effect on whether we can brighten people's day.

[@lpswerido688]

I remember the first time I got cat called. I was in 5th grade and I thought he had a crush on me. When I replied him and his friends would laugh and I didn't get why. Now I know and looking back at that memory I feel like an idiot. They thought I was funny, a clown. He would keep doing it, 2 times a week I think for a month. I never got the joke. Now I do. It's not funny.

[@leynalouise5329]

mine was back in fourth. I'm still mad. and if I meet them again, I'm going up.

[@minnimouse1423]

im not sure what age but the first time i was cat called a guy spit out at me "hey baby girl what does that mouth do?"

[@minnimouse1423]

Bishop Vidal getting made fun of and getting cat called is 2 different things.

[@leynalouise5329]

Bishop Vidal cat calling is in no way a compliment. That's how the people who cat call think. To anybody who isn't that horrible like that, it's offensive and terrifying. And it's become too common.

[@leynalouise5329]

***** same

[@NaniTaysha06]

Women are standing up.

[@wildflower095]

Women have always been standing, just more and more people are aknowledging their stand

[@AllDefPoetry]

Nani Taysha it's a great thing to see

[@LogarAcc]

Nani Taysha Finally!! It took millenniums, but it happens. Things will never be the same once women acknowledge how misogynistic this worldwide culture is and how it kept them separated. Education and willingness are the key.

[@caite.6423]

@Mr Big To society and everyone who has always tried to keep us silent. To the people trying to lock us behind doors and in closets. We are standing because we have to, just to be heard or even acknowledged. Standing to demand we are treated with respect and that our bodies are not treated like another's property. So that we are not the ones blamed when we are the ones attacked. We have tried time and time again to make people listen, only to be ignored. So now we will make them listen. So no - it is not to "our paranoid delusions" like you said. Because it is fact.

[@HI-bw2gt]

Cait E. I love how they comment stuff and then don’t reply, like come on you started to argue against us don’t just say one thing and walk away, we want to prove you wrong

[@adriennepena1628]

the guy who shouted at 1:40 THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING BRO

[@maddiep777]

just showed this to my cousin who makes fun of me for not shaving and she was so fucking speechless. she goes, "that was good" , changed the subject, then walked away to go get her phone. BYLTHE BAIRD, I WILL NEVER STOP SHOWING YOUR POEMS TO ANTI-FEMINISTS. YOU ARE SO TALENTED AND SO GREAT. THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@bluehypothermicreality6759]

"your so funny! please dont touch me!" i feel like i know this feeling too well

[@valentino1646]

Male kindness is so alien to us, we assume it's seductive every time🙏

[@cloutfisher7714]

That quote is living proof that feminists hate men

[@valentino1646]

cheeseburgerkid your statement is unfairly generalized

[@cloutfisher7714]

Angelique Umutesi The quote you used is unfairly generalizing as well...

[@briannalynn4539]

cheeseburgerkid Your comment is exactly why this poem was written. A woman says that men are rarely kind without having other intentions, so she has to be weary about male kindness, a bunch of women relate to the quote, and all you have to say is that women who admit they're scared are just male-haters.

[@Chaotic2413]

Its so sad that its true, We grow up and learn that men are kind to us and expect something in return, if we end up thinking that these men are generally nice and decide to friend them they get upset and think we owe them anything for their kindness, it then goes back to us assuming all men have some underlining reasoning for being kind because its what we have been taught.

[@awinslow21]

"Male kindness is so alien to us we assume it is seduction every time."

[@annalotus9648]

the yell in the background after she says "this is survival of the prettiest" is actually me. that line made me rise to my feet and applaud. i've replayed this so many times i can pretty much recite it with her

[@ADreamerWithAPen]

I keep coming back to Blythe Baird. Her poems are always so powerful, and laced with incredible imagery and unforgettable lines that can't help but imprint on your brain. She's an astounding poet and I look forward to hearing more from her, and hopefully reading her book soon!

[@tarragon9400]

Give me a God I can relate to. Commandments from a voice both soft and powerful.

[@takmaps]

@@jamesonmack5867 tell me one of Joseph?

[@jamesonmack5867]

takmaps I was quoting the poem my guy and this comment was from literally two years ago

[@takmaps]

@@jamesonmack5867 My bad didnt mean to wake you from your slumber man didnt check dates I just saw the video today.

[@jamesonmack5867]

takmaps you DARE to wake me from my tomb, pUnY mOrTaL

[@takmaps]

@@jamesonmack5867 😅

[@AkemiLiyanage]

"Give me a god I can relate to" is my favourite line.

[@romagnolisofiavictoria5079]

The quotes "this is not female privilege, this is survival of the prettiest" and "give me a god i can relate to" are so powerful. i've been watching her poems and i love her!

[@a_real_one2000]

"What does it says about me when I feel pretty in dress but powerful in a suit". This is a powerful line about our society & the unfortunate decision women should not have to make, (you can be a powerful women & looking good, you shouldn't have to forfeit one for the other) Great poem...

[@paulaplazas6932]

Girl code 101 We are the finaglers We are the exceptions The girls who have not run the mile in 4 years Who layer deep V necks with excuses Eyelashes bat wiffle balls at the male gym teachers We are the girls taught to survive by using our bodies as swiss army knives Calculated scrunch nose giggles and friendly forearm lingers Your-so-funny-please-dont-touch-me We convince oursleves there is protection in being polite No, you can go first Girls: we have to be nice Male kindness is so alien to us, we assume it is seduction, every time. We remember age 9, the first time we got catcalled 12, fradulent bodies calling us woman before we have the chance to 13, the year dad says wearing short skirts in the city is like driving without a seatbelt. 15, we are the unmarked tardies, waived detentions and honorable mentions in lush floral dresses 16, we are the public school mannequins. 17, we know the answer but do not raise our hands. Instead, we are answering to guidance counselors who asks us, well what were you wearing? Their voices clink-less toasts We are let off the hook from hall monitors, retired football coaches who blow kisses and whisper Little Miss Lipstick into our ears in the highschool cafeteria We shiver but hey- atleast we still get away without wearing our student ID's This is not female privilige, this is the survival of the prettiest. We are playing the first game we learned how to We are the asses smacked by boys who made welcome mats of our yoga pants. We are easily startled. Who wouldn't be? We are barked at from the street We are the girls petrified of the business school boys who were taught to manifest success by refusing to take no for an answer And I wonder what it says about me that I feel pretty in a dress but powerful in a suit. If misogyny has been coiled inside of me for so long I forget I will not stand before an impatient judge with an Adam's apple, hand grasping gavel, ready to pound a wooden mark Give a God I can relate to Commandments from a voice both soft and powerful. Give me one accomplishment of Mary's that did not involve her vagina. Give me decissions, a wordless wardrobe, an opinion-less dress Give me a city were my body is not public property. Once, my friend and I got catcalled on Michigan avenue and she said Fuck you, while I said Thank you, like I was trained to.

[@odwancube9285]

I literally love you!😍

[@Zoe-mg2vh]

Sam Kat, even if a girl is flirting with a guy that does not give him the right to rape her. And more time than not guys mistake "flirting" with being friendly. And when I'm running down the street trust me i am not welcoming any of those car honks or catcalls at lights.

[@phant0m0th_]

So true! I love this poem! It's amazing! Everything about this was on point. I couldn't have said it better myself. I always get cat called when walking home from school. Whether I'm wearing a skirt and a short sleeved top or covered from head to toe. It really doesn't matter what I wear, it still happens. My school told girls at my school not to wear revealing clothes, fearing that the boys might be distracted. I'm always afraid to leave my home; worrying that someone might come by and kidnap me. Always afraid to walk on the same sidewalk when a group of guys are walking several feet in front of me. It's a shame that this is what women have to deal with STILL. Maybe what our future daughters might deal with if it doesn't stop.

[@adollfordolls]

This is so true. I got cat called when I was 11 years old while walking down the street with my best friend. People need to stop saying that women ask for it. Does anyone really think that an 11 year old wore her favorite shirt because she wanted to get called out by guys driving by in a car? Well that's bullshit.

[@SalAlissa]

Every line of this poem was on point and perfect. Loved it. When I told my mom that two men in a car followed me when I was out running, her response was that maybe I should run inside on a treadmill. It's so completely effed up that even other women think that we bring this terrible behavior down on our own heads just by *being outside.*

[@Backpackfiles]

She rocked that room so hard. Great to be there.

[@hildecouperus1741]

being catcalled is not male kindness! It's rape culture and making fun of our privacy and sexuality! what this girl says isn't just to create a powerfull poem but to let the world know that we need feminism!! And then I'm not talking about female supriority but about equality of the sexes! Being called girly is an insult to guys... So this means there is something wrong about being a girl! There is something wrong with me? Guys losing from a girl is waaayyy worse then when you lose from a guy because we are seen asnot as smart as guys or not as strong or powerful as guys! WTF does this say about our community? We live in a world where we think that equality is accomplished and yet I'm still expected to go less far in life because one day I will birth a child! This girl says something so goddamn beautiful and she gives girls a voice in a powerfull way! I admire and respect women like that! This is what a good role model looks like! She will probably get a lot of hate for what she said but she still does it and I can't thank her enough for that! (this maybe sounds a bit dramatic but rape culture is real and is in the world! we should not take that so lightly. I'm so fucking glad that a lot of people in the comment section ectually agree with this girl btw)

[@Serenityrockstar]

"This is not female privilege; this is survival of the prettiest." YUP YUP

[@missrosesolo2437]

Hearing this poem made me realize how lucky I am. I am a female who has male friends who I've never assumed liked me, but are kind to me nonetheless. I met one when we were in 7th grade. He was the one person in my history class who I could walk up to and ask to be my partner for group work without feeling anxious. He gave me a binder and lined paper once because he saw I brought a scetchbook with me to lunch and liked to draw. He didn't expect anything from me in return and even said, "I could never date a friend," on a separate occasion. Two others are in Marching Band with me. One let me hang on his arm on a trip because the crowds made me anxious and constantly checked on me to make sure I was doing okay. His concern made me feel seen and safe, and it felt so genuine and friendly because we're band kids and we look after each other. I've had casual conversations about Legos with the others, and we both immidiately said no when two of his other friends insinuated that we were dating. Girls, there are men out there who will look out for you without expecting anything because they genuinely care. They are, sadly, fewer in numbers than those who are nice just because they want sex, but they still exist.

[@thenameispuc]

when she dropped that line " we are the girls petrified of the business school boys...." man that hit me. I'm a guy in that business I never thought of that concept. Crazy. Blythe Baird amazing piece I love it well done.

[@emilyburich3219]

I had a teacher touch me in an uncomfortable way many times and I told the office and all he said was “well some teachers are just a little more comfortable with their students” and this made me realize how wrong he was and I want to cry

[@cuylerkolethe6013]

i sometimes feel so bad for guys who actually try to be nice, but are always shot down because of all the other idiots who ruin even just friendship for them.

[@Princessbuttercupish]

This was so fucking amazing.... the power and pain behind it. Just wow.

[@storm_ace6410]

Mr Big oh let me guess your a fucking idiot who doesn’t know the difference between right and wrong you’re a fucking idiot that thinks a women should be in the kitchen all day. Well guess what. Look at who the fuck is hiding behind the screen with a dumb ass name like mr.big like what the hell is big on you??? Your IQ?? Nope. Huh buddy. You think that your so smart with you little iPhone 4 cause you are not living in the kitchen but hey? If you think the women in the world are so useless remember. That the only reason why you were born is cause your mom wanted you. I can tell the she is sincerely regretting that decision. You fucking idiot. 🖕🏻

[@biancabasiliosilva7451]

"I feel pretty in a dress but powerful in a suit" :(

[@ainoaguy]

This hit so close to home its scary.

[@MrsMathsGeek123]

the first time I got cat called I was in my primary (elementary) school uniform - tell me how that is not fucked up. that's why I love this poem so much, it's so honest and truthful and powerful and just ugh. perfect.

[@sheslottie96]

I have to force myself to not look at the comment section on poems like these because there's only so many "but if she does this then she was Asking for it" or "stop being sexist towards men" I can take.

[@HI-bw2gt]

Mr Big, on no how dare she stand up for Herself, she forget she is ment to be at home raising kids and cleaning and cooking, just for a big powerful superior man to come home to her

[@goodolmeplant5809]

@Mr Big are you a psychopath? You sound crazy, what bad things are gonna happen if men stop cat calling women? What are you afraid of?

[@567jesscat]

"Male kindness is so alien we assume it is seduction every time" LOVED THIS. Such a good delivery

[@lizziemae9596]

the last line gave me chills. it’s sad that i don’t even know when i’m being catcalled; i always say thank you and assume i’m supposed to act polite for them “complementing” me

[@angelbrooks795]

"I said thank you. Like I was trained to." That's so fucked up but true

[@Taliavana]

Wow just found this channel and I am binging on all the videos. This one is one of my favourites. Amazing

[@jenniferscheurle2847]

"Male kindness is so alien to us, we assume it is seduction every time." This is so so good.

[@calis.2411]

You can hear men in the crowds clapping and such those guys are actually good ones you can tell by the way they are supporting her

[@angela-ul2dk]

those men are decent people. by saying that they're the "good ones" your labeling those that do those things as "the norm"

[@micdropmags]

"She said Fuck You! I said thanks you..." Woah

[@gillianaguilera1267]

"Once my friend and I got cat called on Michigan Ave. she said "fuck you" while i said "thank you" like i was trained to." DAMN THIS HIT ME SO HARD OMFG

[@prinsasslia]

"A wordless wardrobe, and opinionless dress"

[@Carol10221]

This reminded me of the day I was walking down the street w/ my friend and some dudes catcalled us she got so angry and shout at them saying ''go say that to you mother!'' while I was quiet and told her stop, even thought I know she was right

[@Forceprincess]

I've listened to this one several times and it gives me chills! Wow! Her life has been harder than mine.

[@mafiaboss9970]

Mr Big did we ask

[@goodolmeplant5809]

@Mr Big you don't know what a psychopath is. But I know what a bastard is.

[@loewenzahnhonig]

aren't we talking about the man screaming "EY" after she said "this is survivial of the prettiest"

[@Jordan-nq5ko]

"I said thank you. Like i was trained to" wow.

[@retro8games974]

1:55 "The business school boys..." BAM! Powerful stuff! Right on the money. This is awesome!

[@tessf3158]

0:32 "You're so funny! Please dont touch me."

[@carolinagiraldo6183]

I can't get tired of hearing this poem. Poignant stand on "female privilege" and so much more!

[@Risodair]

"She said Fuck You while I said Thank You, like I was trained to." This is so sad. I love this poem. Just wow.

[@moe.4490]

This girl. She is the goddamned fucking queen when it comes to poetry and everything else in life.

[@michigo_]

So many quotable lines in this poem, its so so well structured and the flow of it is just phenomenal. She KILLED IT

[@artlessthief]

And I wonder what it says about me that I feel pretty in a dress but powerful in a suit.

[@hermionegranger8274]

Mr Big Because we have to be a psychopath to feel empowered in a suit instead of a dress. Dresses are made for women to feel pretty and cute. Men normally don’t wear dresses. Men wear suits. Is it really all that bad for a women to feel good about wearing a suit. Women wear suits for themselves, not for you. Get off your high horse and live in the real world for once.

[@goodolmeplant5809]

@Mr Big are you an idiot? Answer, yes you are and you don't know what you're talking about. Stop being delusional, strong women aren't gonna kill you.

[@XxMsMartinezxX]

"We convince ourselves there is protection in being polite. No you can go first. Girls we have to be nice" this is so true!! It always bothered me in school that I could say certain things because I would be labeled as "bitchy". Real kicker once me and my guy friend both told our friend she needed to dump her bf because all he wants is sex. She called me a bitch and told him thank you for reminding her of her worth. I hate that I can't speak without fear of a label.

[@WhAt-os8vw]

I live for the "YEAH!" guy at 1:38

[@laurenring9721]

Catcalled since age 8. Sexually abused at 11. I’m only 13 years old, y’all. No one, not male, female, enby or whatever else should have to go through that. But the worst part is I didn’t realize it was sexual assault until a few months ago when I read the definition of it, I thought it was something that happened to woman like a period.

[@lexthesimp8214]

im so sorry.

[@kathxcake]

This poem is so incredibly honest and puts into words what so many girls feel their entire lives.

[@izzywizzy389]

AH THIS IS SO GOOD AND RELATABLE I LOVE HER SO MUCH

[@elizaschwartz6695]

1:17 exactly what my guidance counselor asked me. “What were you wearing” -counselor “I was wearing a hoodie and some sweatpants”-me “well maybe you shouldn’t have worn that”- counselor or maybe SOME boys should be raised how to treat a girl. Why do we have to live in fear every morning of what we are putting on may put us at risk.

[@onedirectioninfection5756]

this poem gives me shivers every time i hear it oh my god

[@siiiriously3226]

this is my favorite talk of all times. what a brilliant mind Blythe Baird.

[@FlutterFlut]

Badass

[@FlutterFlut]

;

[@giana9304]

“You’re so funny.. Please don’t touch me” OK I LOVE THIS ALREADY

[@aizzaperez7950]

“My friend and I were catcalled and she said ‘f*ck you’ while I said ‘thank you’ like I was trained to” gosh dang that’s powerful

[@chevonnep.6545]

"Male kindness is so alien to us, we assume it's seduction every time." Wow. I love this. Great poem.

[@AshaCattette]

This made me feel some kind of way. This is definitely the story of my life.

[@arionxe7818]

"My friend and i got cat called she said fuck while i said thank you like i was trained" this hits me so hard because girls are just rude for standing up for our selves, because its usually blown off as a joke.

[@artsydee3808]

"THE IS A GOD UP THERE WHO HEARS OUR PRAYERS I WAS LOST AND AFRAID AND HELP ME UP" And he will do the same for you because he LOVES YOU more than you can even imagine. GIVE IT ALL TO HIM NO MATTER HOW HARD IT MIGHT BE TO DO TRY. NEVER GIVE UP 🙏🏽❤️

[@kimberlyparsons7901]

wow this is so true, apart of me doesn't want to post this comment for fear of what the trolls will say though. but yes! male kindness is so alien to us, we assume it is seduction. Getting cat called at 13 is wrong!

[@bluesobsessions9945]

My guy friend was saying that all feminists are VSCO girls who say Girl Power all the time and I’m gonna send him some of her poems

[@Faehiddeninthesound]

“Well what where you wearing” this made me start sobbing because I have been hurt by men and I tried to vent to my therapist and she said this. It hurts that this is the world women live in....

[@ailinkawa]

I wish I knew more english so I could understand better every poem I listen. This channel is life, even when I don't undestand it all, I can feel everything she is saying. Before this, I never had listent someone reciting a poem, and it is amazing, trully amazing.

[@Chero8p]

Age 13, dad said wearing short skirts is like driving in the city without a seat belt. Wow

[@Riviwriter]

GODDAMMIT BLYTHE WHY ARE YOU SO PERFECT?!?! I love you so much you are such an inspiration

[@mango9870]

The number of times I randomly search this poem and watch it is insane.

[@Laurenhannon99]

Can I just try explain how much I love this? Every time I feel like I have nothing creative to write I come here and listen to this. Every time I'm in a bad mood and need some motivation, I come here and listen to this. You have inspired me. I am so in love with this. I literally listen to it a few times every day.

[@C2G2]

“Wearing short skirts in the city is like driving without a seat belt”-Blythe Baird Damn it 😬woman that quote though ❤️

[@haleyblomstrand2836]

i really feel a connection to this poem

[@GorfGorfGorf]

This is true, be polite, be a lady and our bodies is our weapon that refuses to be used

[@gracielin9686]

This is why my friends and I give each other tips on what to do if we think we’re being followed. Why we worry when we go out in a dress. This is why we cuss out any boy who’s bold enough to whistle at us.