# Embracing Individuality: A Journey with a “Girlie” Umbrella
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Chapter 1: A Faculty Gathering
Recently, our local university introduced a new term, which signifies a faculty meeting followed by a dinner. In the Czech Republic, a dinner typically involves beer—lots of it. Alongside the beverages, philosophical and political discussions flowed freely among my colleagues.
After several hours of feasting and conversing, it was time to head home. The weather was less than inviting, hovering just above freezing with rain pouring down.
A few months prior, my spouse had the clever idea of purchasing portable umbrellas from a nearby potraviny (a small grocery store). They had two options in stock: one pink and one orange. Although they were inexpensive and of questionable quality, I had stashed the pink umbrella in my shoulder bag, anticipating a day like this.
For nine months, I had contemplated the umbrella's poor quality and its unappealing design. Tonight, I would finally discover its shortcomings. The craftsmanship was indeed subpar, clearly made for temporary use by tourists. I had assumed the pattern would be somewhat silly, but I had grossly underestimated it.
Chapter 2: The Pink Umbrella Experience
As I walked through the cobbled streets of Prague under my pink umbrella—more fitting for an 8-year-old girl than a seasoned philosophy professor—I couldn’t help but chuckle. I knew societal norms dictated that I should feel embarrassed. Yet, I found such feelings trivial; why should I care?
The young adults bustling by (curiously, it seemed no one under 40 was out at night) appeared oblivious to my unconventional accessory. Was it truly so unusual to see a man in a black fedora and steampunk jacket wielding a pink polka dot umbrella?
After enduring a 15-minute trek through the rain, I finally reached home, where I could fully appreciate this quirky piece of fashion.
Chapter 3: A Surprising Revelation
Upon closer inspection, I noticed the umbrella featured bunnies and a collage of humanlike and fantastical creatures enjoying the rain. Their inadequate umbrellas were overshadowed by the cheerful phrases “Friendship” and “Lovely World.” Adorable, isn't it?
While I would never have chosen such an umbrella voluntarily, it was not because of societal pressures dictating my preferences. I've always found it absurd to suppress genuine emotions or interests simply because they don't align with traditional masculinity. It feels more authentic to simply be myself.
In the end, rather than feeling embarrassed by my pink “girlie” umbrella, I embraced the experience with humor. I prioritize comfort and confidence in my individuality over conforming to impersonal gender roles.