Superpower Project

The Superpower Project: Realistic Representation

Blaise Hunter | Human Rights Consultant | Heroine

“I may be a senior, but so what? I’m still hot.” Betty White

At 99 Betty White left this earth but her legacy of saucy cheerfulness will live on forever. For decades, she was a beloved star and a role model for how to grow old blissfully. If only women of all ages could live like Betty, we would be able to see the beauty in ourselves and in others. Her beauty was timeless.

We are in a world where every woman fights for their own immortality. Early on, we are pressured to set off on a quest for the fountain of youth. Day after day we take steps and extraordinary measures to defy time. Betty White was a rarity. She wasn’t a rebel instead she allowed us to glance through an unfiltered lens of what realistic representation looks like. The Superpower Project is about highlighting various challenges or “kryptonites” facing people and helping us neutralize their effect on us. A deadly kyrptonite facing us these days is women believing aging is ugly. Betty once said, “Don’t try to be young, just open your mind.” She expanded the definition of beauty and embraced the evolution of a woman. Betty didn’t hide or reject her mortality; she just added some twinkle to her wrinkles.

These days every woman’s body at every age is a façade. Filters, photo-shop, shapewear, hair dye, hair extensions, microblading, fake eyelashes, boob jobs, tummy tucks, facelifts, lip fillers, Botox, and clothes all modify what

a real woman looks like. Do we even know what real is anymore? At what point does a woman accept reality and embrace her body for the perfection it truly is as it is? Is there an age or stage where a woman thinks screw it, I’m beautiful?

I asked various women aged 50-75 about what their thoughts are on body image and how it’s changed for them over the years. One lady said she didn’t feel the same pressures as a young mother to be fit and sexy but struggles to recognize this new version of herself in the mirror. Another woman told me she accepts herself as she is but couldn’t say out loud, she is beautiful. They all had let go of various expectations of things but none of them truly embraced the beauty they posses with their bodies now. All these women have survived and thrived. They are gifted and brilliant. These women have careers, passions,

mind-blowing accomplishments, partners, friendships, children, and grandchildren and yet none of those things make them feel beautiful. The sagging skin, extra rolls, grey hair, and wrinkles speak louder to them. I can’t judge them for that, we aren’t given any other voices to listen to. Our culture is noisy with the message that anti-aging is our mission. There were groups of women who felt like they were finally coming into their own and harnessing the beauty within their aging shell but confessed they still wrestle with negative thoughts about their bodies and their whole identity.

While you might expect attitudes around body image to relax as we get older, the reality is that most women struggle with self-esteem and body positivity throughout their lives. Older people are either invisible in this conversation or excluded entirely. It’s as if when a woman reaches a certain age, there’s just

This woman is the epitome of wisdom, power, beauty, and confidence. She’s standing in a superwoman pose owning a bikini in her eighties for goodness’ sake.

no hope in being beautiful and sexy so they should just accept that. I call bullsh*t. Women, it’s time to push back and create a new voice that drowns out the anti-aging message. We need the older generation to continue blazing the trail just like Betty. I am issuing a call to arms for all the glorious Golden Girls of our time to own their bodies and show us how to age with moxie, joy, and playfulness.

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“She is my hero.“

“Let’s start today at whatever age we are and continue to carry the torch for generations to come. Let us light the path of what realistic representation is supposed to look like.”

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I saw this picture on social media recently and I have saved it in my favourites folder. This woman is the epitome of wisdom, power, beauty, and confidence. She’s standing in a superwoman pose owning a bikini in her eighties for goodness’ sake. She is my hero. We all need this photo as a reminder what aging with conviction means. At 40, I found a new lease on life where I really don’t care what people think anymore. I didn’t believe that would happen, but it really did. I found myself doing and saying things I wouldn’t have done two years prior. It is my goal to evolve through each decade with a fresh flare of “I don’t give a crap” attitude. Let’s start today at whatever age we are and continue to carry the torch for generations to come. Let us light the path of what realistic representation is supposed to look like. Want to join the mental, emotional, and physical freedom fighters but don’t know how?

Here are my top 5 ways to age with grace and gumption:

1. Going Grey: What Should We Do?

“Grey hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.”—Proverbs 16:31

Be a Silver Foxy Lady and crown yourself with splendor. Even when the celebrity fad evaporates, go grey. I dye my hair regularly because I love playing with colours, but I haven’t had any grey hairs yet. This is something I want to display when I do. Let it be your mark of maturity.

2. Yes, you can wear that!

Who says you can’t pull that off anymore? Wear bold colours and sexy outfits. Put on that damn bikini and let the world see how you own it. Play with styles and express yourself through your clothes. When in doubt, just try it on.

“My mother always used to say, ‘The older you get, the better you get. Unless you’re a banana.’” -Betty White

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3. Laugh & Play

Don’t take life so seriously. Laugh at yourself and be the source of happiness in your circle. You might get more laugh lines, but you will live longer by being young at heart. Engage in childlike play and be curious. Prescribe the fun factor in your daily intake. Laughter is truly the best medicine.

4. Take Risks

“The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.” — Stephen McCranie

Many of life’s greatest treasures require going outside of our comfort zone. Whether it means overcoming fear to be in front of a crowd, going on a trip, or putting your heart on the line, some of life’s most rewarding experiences come because of taking risks. Defy time by releasing regrets. Want an instant facelift? Forgive. Grudges, bitterness, and resentment are the foes of the face. Unload the bags under your eyes and the weight of your heart by wagering it all on forgiveness. Risk is safe.

5. Give Back

We live in a hoarding culture. We hoard our money, our wisdom, our vulnerability, our time, and our love. Tapping into the elusive fountain of youth only happens when we give of ourselves. That is where we transform into ageless beauties. Leave your experiences and knowledge of what it means to be beautiful to the masses. Bestow your joy, passion, and fire to everyone you meet. Let that be the measure of your beauty and character. Give so much that when you leave this world, your contributions never die.

Let’s pick up the mantle of everlasting youth and be the example in our lives. Betty paved the way for us. May we be a living representation of what real beauty means. In honour of Betty White 1922-2021.

The Woman, The Myth, The Legend.

For more information about the Heroine Movement visit www.blaisehunter.com

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