We do not make our choices out of limitation but by how much we perceive to know is possible. It is with great strength and courage that we come to recognize the things that we once esteemed actually are tearing us down.
We reason ourselves into these things by discrediting our voices. When we lose our voices, we lose credit in ourselves as human beings, as people. Who are you to say I am wrong? Who are you to call down my beliefs? Especially when you are drowning. It is only when we come to recognize the strength, and use it for good, do we come out of the darkness.
We are only victims if we allow ourselves to be. We do not make the choices out of limitation, but only in all that we believe to know is possible.
There are many choices. Don't limit yourself to just what's in front of you. Or believe simply because "it must be so." People will place all kinds of stereotypes on you. By not speaking, you are saying "I don't care." You are actually allowing them to discredit you. You let them know how you want to be treated by using your voice. By allowing them to place these words, names and ideas on you, you are being stereotyped. Even by placing ideas on yourself, you allow these ideas to come true.
People will make huge deals out of nothing when you hit them hard. Even if it is not your fault, they will make it so; therefore, they do not have to deal with it.