This is mostly based on stereotypes in The Beauty Myth (Naomi Wolf). Many girls I know (myself included, though not because I want to appear attractive to men) are very affected and I find it very disheartening. I wish we could do something.
You can easily come up with a similar rant for gay men. I do not think that straight males are generally subjected to as much pressure.
You raised a valid point. However, I believe that beauty ideals for women are so prevalent that it becomes an expectation. We are supposed to look good for EVERYONE, not just men :(
The girl who is badly dressed may be ignored by guys, but she most certainly will be criticized by other women.
you know, i always feel like you are too intelligent, beautiful and kind to be get upset over things like that.. but i can really see where this one is coming from =(
"The girl who is badly dressed may be ignored by guys, but she most certainly will be criticized by other women.
And trust me, we can be way harsh."
this reply made me so sad because its so true. women compare among themselves a lot. the girls in class all want to lose weight and its like a competition to see who looks better, who gets more attention =( sometimes i hate dressing up for outings but i don't want to be the only one left out.
*hugs* am very glad you managed to put it so articulately (as always) and i hope you will be happy whatever you do. here is to 2006!
Thank you for the kind words! Part of me feels undeserving, but I think the exact thing about some other people and it breaks my heart to see them being consumed like this.
I totally empathise with you. One has to dress up to fit in, but not so much so that she'd stand out and risk being mauled by jealousy. Which is what really sucks about these artificial constructs - that they are not just distant ideals one can turn a blind eye to.
Happy new year to you too! Be good and don't let the As eat you up :)
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(The comment has been removed)
This is mostly based on stereotypes in The Beauty Myth (Naomi Wolf). Many girls I know (myself included, though not because I want to appear attractive to men) are very affected and I find it very disheartening. I wish we could do something.
You can easily come up with a similar rant for gay men. I do not think that straight males are generally subjected to as much pressure.
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(The comment has been removed)
The girl who is badly dressed may be ignored by guys, but she most certainly will be criticized by other women.
And trust me, we can be way harsh.
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Thanks Charles! Oh - belated birthday wishes and have a blessed, fulfilling year :)
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Happy new year! :)
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you too! :D
PS. i can't help but laugh at the comment made by Mr Anonymous. :p
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"The girl who is badly dressed may be ignored by guys, but she most certainly will be criticized by other women.
And trust me, we can be way harsh."
this reply made me so sad because its so true. women compare among themselves a lot. the girls in class all want to lose weight and its like a competition to see who looks better, who gets more attention =( sometimes i hate dressing up for outings but i don't want to be the only one left out.
*hugs* am very glad you managed to put it so articulately (as always) and i hope you will be happy whatever you do. here is to 2006!
Reply
I totally empathise with you. One has to dress up to fit in, but not so much so that she'd stand out and risk being mauled by jealousy. Which is what really sucks about these artificial constructs - that they are not just distant ideals one can turn a blind eye to.
Happy new year to you too! Be good and don't let the As eat you up :)
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