The "Beautiful Sex"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP3cyRRAfX0

This link is to a Verizon Wireless commercial which points out that many times in our society women are told that the most valuable thing about them is the way they look. When girls are told over and over that looks are the only thing that make them special, they begin to put all their eggs in that basket and stop worrying about something much more important - their mind. Sadly, I've noticed this in many girls that I know in real life.

When we were reading Candide, I noted that women were referred to as "the beautiful sex", as if that was all they had to offer to the world. Going back now, I can't find it in my book, but the phrase reminded me of the above commercial.

Here are some complements that aren't about physical appearance that are applicable to any gender whatsoever:

1. You're empowering.
2. I like your voice.
3. You're strong.
4. I think your ideas/beliefs matter.
5. I'm so happy you exist.
6. More people should be listening to what you have to say.
7. You're a very warm hearted person.
8. It's nice seeing such kindness.
9. You're very down to earth. 
10. You have a beautiful soul.
11. You inspire me to become a better person.
12. Our conversations bring me a lot of joy.
13. It's good to see someone care so much.
14. You're so understanding.
15. You matter a lot to me.
16. You're important even if you don't think so.
17. You're intelligent.
18. Your passion is contagious.
19. Your confidence is refreshing.
20. You restore my faith in humanity.
21. You're great at being creative.
22. You're so talented at _____.
23. I don't get tired of you.
24. You have great taste in _____.
25. I'm happy I've met you.
26. I wish more people were like you.
27. You are so good at loving people.

So in conclusion, to everyone in our class, remember that you are SO MUCH MORE than your looks. Everyone of us is special and every one of us has extraordinary talents.

• Sri - You're such a loving person. You always put a smile on my face. You also kick butt at Just Dance.
• Breuna - You're such a talented theatre person. I look up to your self confidence and admire how you are so outgoing.
• Joey - You are involved in so many things and you manage to balance it all. I have no idea how you do it. You're so dedicated to so many things and have many talents. 
• Alex - You are so intelligent and are so good at explaining things to people who don't understand them. I know I can always ask you whenever I have a question and that you'll be patient in helping me understand. You also have so many random and vastly interesting facts stored in your head that you're always ready to share. 
• Ross - You are such a good hearted person. You always do the right thing and you always put others first.  
• Bonnie - You are one of the funniest people I've ever met. You're also a fiercely loyal friend. You love other people endlessly and you care about them just as much.
• Tiffany - You are one of the biggest hearted people on this earth. You give the best advice. You're also extraordinarily hardworking at everything, especially your school work.
• Iris - You're so creative. I love watching you when you work on art pieces and getting to see the gears turn in your head. You're also really good at writing college essays. That's so random, but I always notice how creative and well thought out your responses are.
• Ms. Quinet - You have such a huge reserve of knowledge stored in your head. I sometimes just sit in awe about how much you know. You're also an incredibly strong and passionate woman. I'm still jealous that you passed Bonnie and I up in the Race for the Cure.
• Ms. King - You are an amazing teacher. I've been continuously amazed since the beginning of the year at how you are able to spark and contribute to class discussion. I also enjoy that we share a love of theatre.