SUPERFICIAL FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

GATEKEEP. GASLIGHT. GIRLBOSS.

In an effort to reclaim our femininity we’ve done As we reclaim the idea of femininity to be a disservice to the collective goal of women’s empowering, it becomes counterproductive if liberation by equating our self-confidence we don’t also see women naturally existing as with our looks. Modern feminism has embraced just as empowering. objectifying behavior under the guise of female Another problematic aspect of this new empowerment. Choice Feminism, the idea that wave of feminism, has become indulging in individual choices of a woman are inherently the hypersexualization of women in the name feminist, reinforces beliefs that benefit the of empowerment. Feeling “empowered” has patriarchy, but are viewed as liberating. Under this become synonymous with “sexy”, and in doing framework, wearing makeup and revealing clothes so we cater to men and patriarchal values of is as feminist as opting out of those things because womanhood. Just because a woman consents we’ve chosen to do so. However, this superficial to share her body online, doesn’t mean she is form of feminism allows women to perform in a way shielded from objectification by men. This that’s inherently anti-feminist while claiming it’s isn’t to say that women shouldn’t be allowed empowering women. An individual woman feeling to do so, rather it is critiquing the idea that empowered doesn’t equate to this advances women’s rights an institutional power that will “We should be asking when this benefits men and in bring about tangible change for all women. This creates surfacelevel identity politics that distract ourselves why we only feel good in our appearance no way challenges gender norms. The institutional structures that silence victims of sexual women from achieving any form when we invest money, assault, deny women equal of real progress. While we may believe we’re putting on makeup for ourselves and time, and resources into it, and whether or not this access to employment, and normalize objectification won’t be dismantled by encouraging young not for male validation, we refuse line of thinking is actually women to share their bodies to acknowledge the reason we feel good with makeup on in the first place and who is truly benefitting as empowering as we are made to believe it is.” online. These disparities are exacerbated for women of color, poor from this way of thinking. This women, and trans women as form of feminism has become profitable by focus- this form of feminism also becomes much ing on the aesthetics of feminism, whether it be more socially acceptable for white women. through a makeup pallet or an expensive razor. We For example, “Call Her Daddy,” a podcast should be asking ourselves why we only feel good dedicated to sharing sexual experiences, has in our appearance when we invest money, time, and become extremely popular with young women. resources into it, and whether or not this line of The show normalizes misogynistic behavior thinking is actually as empowering as we are made through raunchy conversations that promote to believe it is. We purchase makeup in the name degrading and exploitative sexual conduct. of empowerment while lining the pockets of male However, because it is coming from a pretty CEOs who have convinced women that they appear white woman, it is viewed as empowering. A more acceptable with it on. This further contributes show revolved around women talking about to a culture that continually objectifies and sexual- women the way men talk about women is izes women. Choice feminism is rooted in capitalism not as feminist as people think it is. This is a and benefits a system that will never bring about contradicting form of feminism that’s palatable equitable change for women. to men and beneficiaries of this system.

SUSTAINABLE SELF-CONFIDENCE

Even as we try to steer away from Westernized patriarchal beauty standards, we still validate our self-worth with our “beauty.” Phrases such as “All bodies are beautiful!” or “You don’t need makeup to be beautiful!” still emphasize our looks rather than any other aspect of ourselves. Whether you see yourself as the hottest person on the planet or see your body as simply a vessel for your organs, confidence based around your looks is not substantial self-confidence. As we are taught to hate the way we look, learning to love ourselves by the standards of men only further validates the oppressive ideology that women’s value stems from our beauty. We have all fallen victim to the male gaze, whether it be consciously or subconsciously, and in order to undo this thinking we must acknowledge behaviors that do not truly benefit ourselves or other women. Beauty standards were never meant to be attainable so self-confidence based around your looks will not be either. Social media has enabled a culture that exacerbates the importance of looks, especially for young women. It has created a toxic environment where women receive validation solely through their presentation of themselves online. It invites a competitive nature that weakens female solidarity as we constantly compare ourselves to others through the lens of good angles and filters. We must stop pretending that centering our looks (whether we are tearing ourselves down or buiding ourselves up) will create any form of meaningful empowerment and confidence.

Confidence should be derived from the way you treat others, your interests, your beliefs, your hobbies, and your actions.

As a photographer, I am most confident when I am directing a photoshoot. As a writer, I feel most confident when I receive positive feedback on my work. As a friend, I feel most confident when my friends and I laugh at each other’s jokes until we cry. As a woman, I am most confident knowing that I will not allow the standards of men to decide that my only value revolves around what I look like. You should be allowed to enjoy feminine things, (in the words of Chrissy Chlapecka) “have your tits out,’’ and wear sharp eyeliner that could kill a man, but it does not enact real political change nor should your self-worth be based around these ideas. Next time you are doing positive affirmations in the mirror telling yourself you are beautiful, step away from the mirror entirely and do something you love. The time we spend trying to combat unrealistic standards of beauty only distracts us from putting in the work for tangible change. As we work toward progress, it is important we critique emerging forms of liberation and ask whether or not this will lead to a more equitable society.