(ThyBlackMan.com) When did being called “a dime” become acceptable and a compliment? Why must we manipulate the English language in a manner that modifies and waters down the true meaning of a word, especially if it does not fuel positive/uplifting connotations and denotations? Is it all in the name of creativity or all in the name of objectification? If a “dime” is what a man wants by his side, then why not just call her a lady? Do we, as women, truly understand the value of our womanhood in connection to being lady-like? Have we adopted these titles that simultaneously objectify and categorize us because we think it is “cute?” Honestly, how does a “dime” act or look? There are so many possible descriptions that there are no right or wrong answers. It depends on who is using the word, but based on popular music videos and 
lyrics if being a “dime” solely has to do with a woman’s body, hair, and clothes, then that is truly beyond sad, especially if the word “supposedly” has a good connotation.
However, what is definable is the definition of a lady or a woman who carries herself with class—a woman of refinement and gentle manners. This image is not celebrated enough in the media to teach us that we, too, can carry ourselves in that manner and that those traits and characteristics are not simply for a certain class or stature of women. The meaning of the word lady is indeed impactful, but not as much as being able to see a lady in action. That is why we can look at our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and sisters and see the profoundness of Cicely Tyson, the wisdom of Ruby Dee, the grace of Judith Jamison, the poise of Michelle Obama, the elegance of Sheryl Lee Ralph, the class of Oprah Winfrey, and the tenacity of Venus Williams. As a result, we cannot afford to drop the ball, as many of us have done, in embodying those lady-like characteristics because our younger generations are suffering. Too many succumb to the hyper sexualized images that confuse empowerment with being scantily clad and dancing provocatively. Lady is a four-letter word—one that more of us need to add to and maintain in our vocabulary and conduct.
Many of us have heard: “A lady should be seen and not heard.” In 2011, I amend that phrase by adding: “A lady should be seen and heard in a manner befitting one of class and poise.” It is one thing to be jovial and animated with various gesticulations—these things are common to our culture, but to be loud, uncouth, and boisterous with all of the bells and whistles of the sista girl attitude when really all that is necessary is some directness and articulation of speech is another. Do we resort to the previous description because we have not been equipped with how to express ourselves in a civil way? If the stereotype says that we are this, then why in the world do we add fuel to that stereotype by acting in such a manner and get mad when others identify it? The regality and distinctiveness that runs through our veins has been numbed by the ignorance we have adopted and perpetuate in our words and actions.
If we only want to be seen as objects that have value based on superficial standards, then these words are of no merit. But if we want to take back our power and realize that in a world that does not tend to offer second chances in first impressions, we need to take a step back, sit down, and assess. We need to step back from the foolishness perpetuated on television and remember that it is not everyday life to parade around like a video vixen and the only place that it is acceptable and profitable to utter unintelligent words that garner popularity is in the music world. We need to sit down and focus ourselves on things that are meaningful and worthwhile, and finally we need to assess how we see ourselves based on our desires, dreams, and goals and not based on those that have been imposed on us. We have the power. Are we going to allow it to remain dormant within us? Or are we going to allow the plates within us to shift and move in order to make room for an eruption of power that yields constructive empowerment, intelligent speech, and lady-like conduct? Ladies?
Staff Writer; J.J. Vann
Find out more about this talented sister over at; JJ Divine Expressions.
Also connect via Twitter; http://www.Twitter.com/29tothirdpower
