I started this blog with a warning that there might be a few rants on it, and today, I’m glad I included that disclaimer. Today, I read a tweet condemning the nomination of both a female U.N. Ambassador and a female Secretary of Education because “one woman in that level of power is enough.” Today, I was told that I should be careful what I publish online because “no one’s going to take a girl seriously if she discusses lipstick undertones on the side.”
And good gracious, I’m sick of it.
I’m sick of the dichotomy in today’s society that a woman can either be powerful or feminine, but never both. I’m sick of the idea that I can’t embrace my love of silly things like makeup and jewelry and editing the perfect Instagram picture while simultaneously being seriously interested in legal codes and economic trends and international politics. And most of all, I’m sick of the immediate assumption that because I’m blonde and can frequently be found with a Starbucks cup in hand, that that somehow speaks volumes about my intelligence level.
I’ve gotten used to proving people wrong. I’m no stranger to the phrase, “you know, when I first met you I expected you to be one of those dumb basic white girls, but you’re not.” And don’t get me wrong, proving people wrong is fun. But I hate that I have to do it in the first place. I hate that society has somehow decided that liking certain things is an immediate signal of intelligence level.
When did we decide that the color pink was synonymous with being stupid? Since when do leggings and blanket scarves provide an indication of someone’s vapidity? Why does paying attention to fashion mean that suddenly you’re incapable of keeping tabs on important global issues as well?
I can see some justification for judging a book by its cover (artful book covers are my weakness). But for goodness sake, can we please stop judging people by their cover?
For the time being, I’m just going to keep doing me. I’m going to wear bows and bright lipstick and lots of polka dots, and I’m going to keep proving people wrong. But I look forward to a day where I don’t have to. And I hope you do too.
Thank you for refuting so many of the stereotypes that are rampant these days. Do go right on being you and continue to stand up on the issues that touch on the lives of women and all people of good will.
So your argument is that by acting very feminine, people undervalue your intelligence. That’s like what men deal with when they act very masculine. People think just because a man likes guns and hunting, he’s a “hick.” Or if he likes lifting weights, he’s a “meathead.” What do those things have to do with intelligence? I really wish both genders didn’t have to experience this. You’re right; we shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover. At the same time, stereotypes stem from actual trends, so we probably shouldn’t get too upset over it. Good post!