Ban Bossy And Maybe Ban Bosses, Too

It likely came through your social-media feeds too: a video called "Ban Bossy" featuring Beyoncé, Condoleezza Rice, Jane Lynch, and other notables. They want us to encourage girls to be strong, to be leaders. But too often, when girls behave in an ambitious manner, they are labeled "bossy," among other words.

Turning that around seemed extremely worthwhile to me. As a writer, I can certainly attest to the power of words. Now, in this case, I don't know if one word is all that important, compared to overarching societal attitudes and the messages we impart to children. But I understand: If you want to go viral, you need a "hook."