I was taught to respect my elders. 
I was taught that they are wiser, 
And stronger.
I was taught that they know more, 
And that they are superior to me 
Because they are older.

I was taught that they don't need my consent to make important decisions for me. 
They don't need my permission to do what they think is best, 
And they don't want my opinion on my own life, 
Because it might soil their opinion on who they want me to be. 

I was taught "yes ma'am" and "yes sir" 
But "no" and "don't" weren't part of my elders' dictionary, 
So when I was twelve and the doctor wanted to take a look under my bra and down my skirt, 
When I said "no" and "don't" my mom gave my consent for me,  
And the doctor stuck her cold hands up and down the parts I never gave her permission to touch.
I don't think they understand that I was afraid,
And I don't think they care that my body is not theirs to grope around without my consent. 

See, I was taught to respect my elders. 
In return for this respect, 
I would be ridiculed and my rights violated,  
Because people under the age of eighteen have restrictions on their personal liberties.