" I know I am not the first woman to ask this, but how can I be both damaged and loveable? How do I become the protagonist of a story? "
- Jenny Zhang

The quote reflects a woman's introspection about her self-perception and her desire to transcend societal limitations. It speaks to the tension between feeling wounded or flawed yet wanting to be seen as lovable and worthy of affection and respect.

On a deeper level, the speaker grapples with broader themes of identity, acceptance, and empowerment. She questions how one can reconcile inner struggles and past hurts while still aspiring to lead an authentic life and have her narrative told in a positive light. This quote resonates widely as it touches on universal human desires for self-acceptance and personal growth, particularly within the context of societal expectations and personal challenges faced by women.

Jenny Zhang is a Chinese-American writer known for her candid explorations of identity, culture, and feminism through both poetry and prose. Her work often delves into the complexities of being an Asian woman in America and the nuances of navigating multiple cultural identities.