Wanda.
year. 1946
city. Kraków
From the diaries of Wanda X, age 21
unsexed
The canvas cloth is thick like tar
Drowning me; its grey hands land on my neck
As I pull it on for the three-hundred forty-sixth time
I hold my breath.
And once it’s on, it hides my body
Loosley brushing my outermost curves
Straight-bodied uniforms made for men
Mark my status “unsexed.”
My ambitions ran high
While their voices ran rampant
They withhold my career
They diagnose me as woman.
When we wear the same cotton, the same dirt caked on our faces,
When we work the same hours and breathe the same air,
Why do you believe I’m not allowed here?
I wear the canvas cloth
It paints my legitimacy
In a mine controlled by men
Its labor driven by women.
I may not seek their respect
Surely not in my condition
The condition of my sex
And psychophysical characteristics
Instead they see my canvas cloth
And look down on me and smile
Ask me if I could buy a tighter one next time.
Click below to unravel the inspiration behind this character!
year. 1966
city. Chicago
An umarked letter from Wanda X, age 41
Consumerism
I moved here and met a man
He taught me English
I slowly forgot my tongue
And adopted his.
I became fluent; we promptly married
He chose my dress, my hair
He chose me
He worked to help me learn
The strange ways of this country
To keep me safe
To keep me unobserved.
You should remember that in America
There are many kinds of toothpaste
You will be overwhelmed by the women
Pondering the best selection for pearly whites.
You should also be aware
That the supermarkets are full
Grocery shopping proves difficult
When options are unlimited
Most importantly you should keep in mind
That women wear brands
Research the popular ones
And you will fit in
Women here, they dress to be seen
Admired for their beauty
Clothes are personal
A glimmer of individuality.
I almost forgot
The workers here are kind
Ask them for help
They will dress you right.
So when you arrive,
Make sure you go shopping
Buy the best sellers
The most muted colors
Classy enough to mark you American
Subdued enough to keep you unseen.
For if they find out you aren’t from here
Good luck my dear.