Women Share Criticisms Of Femininity That They’re Tired Of Hearing
Being a woman in a society that makes it clear that women are seen as inferior to men poses a lot of problems, one of which is the way that things that are deemed "feminine" or female behaviors get a lot of scrutiny for no good reason.
It's become an increasingly discussed topic, and these women on Reddit decided to share criticisms of femininity and women that they're tired of hearing, because really: can a woman really like or do anything in this world without being shamed for it?
Liking Something Doesn't Make You An Expert
"The fact that any woman who is interested in (insert sport here) can only be: A) an expert with every player, stat, etc. memorized OR B) a ditz pretending that she's interested so that she can impress the boys. I AM ONLY MILDLY INTERESTED IN HOCKEY. LET ME LIVE MY LIFE."
Maybe She Just...Likes It?
"I hate being judged for liking things such as video games or comics casually. So often men (and sometimes other women) see me wearing a shirt with a character on it or hear me mention something in normal conversation, and I am instantly met with a game of 20 questions about the topic to prove I'm not just pretending to like the franchise."
People Can Pack Up Their Dry Skin And Leave The Conversation
"Suggesting that because of my skincare routine I'm high maintenance. I am, for myself, but not for others. I'm super chill in my relationships, I just spend a lot of time taking care of my skin because I care about it."
Seriously, It's Time To Give It A Rest
"The stereotype of the 'mean girl.'"
I'm not saying that there aren't mean girls out there, but I will say that the idea that the popular girl is rude and cruel to everyone is not quite accurate.
It's Literally Just A Drink
"I hate how women are criticized for enjoying things that happen to be popular with other women. Pumpkin spice lattes, for instance: people act like any woman who drinks them must be some vapid drain on society, when it's literally just a sugary beverage, and the only reason they get criticism is that it's considered a 'girly' drink. Let women enjoy things!"
Women Have Been My Biggest Supporters In The Workplace
"The idea that women can't get along in the workplace and are constant drama. All of the women where I work get along just fine. Men (and the women who repeat this nonsense) just think their disagreements and gossip are important and see every conflict between women as frivolous."
It's A Real Catch-22
"People will say things like, 'Oh she's wearing makeup she must be so insecure!' but also, if a woman is not wearing any makeup, people will ask if she's sick."
Teenage Girls Are The Butt Of So Many Jokes
"Teenage girls are constantly considered stupid and empty and shallow."
Teenage girls exist in a weird place where they're treated as dumb and shallow but also mocked and told they know nothing when they try to learn more.
Seriously, Everything Made "For Women" Is Considered "Less Than"
"Excessive criticism of pop culture and media marketed toward women versus that which is marketed toward men."
I love the example of Twilight vs. The Fast And The Furious as franchises. Twilight and its fans were relentlessly mocked by the media while The Fast And The Furious—which is an objectively absurd, plotless franchise—has never received the same criticism.
It's Called Being Considerate
"Lately the whole 'women can never decide where they want to eat' stereotype has really been grinding my gears. My ex-boyfriend would say, 'lol that's totally you' when I would always give at least three suggestions as to where to eat and he would say it was 'up to me.'
"I’m ASKING FOR YOUR INPUT not indecisive—if I was eating alone, I would have already chosen by now."
That's Some Real 1930s Thinking
"The stereotype that women are nurturing. I'm pursuing the title of physician and I just want one week to go by without someone asking me if I would be happier as a nurse. Believe it or not, each woman is actually a human being. With separate personalities, interests, and goals!"
As If Spending Hundreds On A Basketball Jersey For Your Favorite Player Is Better
"There's so much criticism around how women spend their money! Anything that involves clothing, makeup, or physical appearance is deemed as shallow and frivolous, ignoring the ways women get criticized for not doing those things."
The "Getting Bulky" Thing Is A Total Myth
"That if a woman lifts weights it'll make her too bulky. I lost 80lbs while weight lifting and it has given me a lot more curves on my body than bulky muscles."
We're Literally Having Miniature Labor Contractions
"The idea that a period is just an excuse to get out of doing work. Like listen, buddy: I can't stand up straight without immediately doubling over. I think that's a good enough excuse."
There's No Right Way To Just Exist In Public
"The concept of 'trying too hard.' Listen, if I want to get dressed up it's because I feel like it. It's not always for someone/about someone, and it doesn't make a person stuck-up. Life can be monotonous and stressful, sometimes getting ready for it is the most you can control."
Like, It Really Is A Double Standard
There is literally no harm in looking into astrology, which has been studied by people for hundreds of years, just like there is no harm in playing fantasy football. Don't act like one is inherently better than the other, though.
People Love To Assume How Much Self-Esteem You Have
"The whole if you like how you look somehow that's bad because you're full of yourself, but if you don't like how you look you have low self-esteem and that's just as bad. Can't win."
All Women Are Valid
"When people say a childless (by circumstance or choice) woman is a waste of womanhood. We're all worthy women whether we procreate or not."
Truly, having a uterus does not mean your life's duty is to raise a little human. It's not for everyone.
Friendzoning Is The Dumbest Thing Men Have Complained About
"The way women are demonized for 'friendzoning' men as if being nice to a woman means that you're entitled to sex."
Truly, women are criticized for getting intimate with too many men but are also criticized for rejecting men. Make it make sense!
I, In Fact, Am Like Other Women
"So many men think that telling me (a woman) that I'm 'not like other women' is a compliment. It's not."
Using this phrase as a compliment is a pretty clear way of showing that you don't respect women as a whole. I truly hope to be as smart, resilient, and accomplished as the other women in my life.
