Women Are Wonderful (I'm Tired Of Hearing Otherwise) | Uncustomary Art

I’m tired of it.

I’m tired of the pressure put on women in society of how we’re expected to look, speak, and act. We’re supposed to be extremely thin with big boobs and a voluptuous ass, with smooth, hairless skin and shiny flowing hair. We’re supposed to always be sexy and desirable, but not acknowledge our sexuality. As soon as we get comfortable with our sexuality, become provocative, or even make a joke we’re sluts. Society wants to see us naked, but if we offer a naked photo on our own terms, we’re a horrible influence.

I’m tired of it.

I’m tired of defending Lena Dunham’s naked body, or anyone’s choice to wear whatever they want. We’re supposed to dress for our body tape. Every issue of every magazine shows tips on how to hide our flaws. Are you top heavy? Here’s how to create an optical illusion with your clothes to make people think otherwise. Do you not look like you should be in a music video? Apparently that means you can’t wear a bikini. And if your body isn’t perfect that means you aren’t sexy, probably don’t have sex, and definitely have to settle for someone you find unattractive.

I’m tired of it.

I’m tired of the need for documentaries investigating whether women are indeed funny. We’re oppressed in almost every culture all over the world. Second best to our male counterparts. We don’t just make less money than them at work, we’re simply not respected the same way in or out of the office. It might not be blatant to everyone, especially men. It’s hard to see injustice when you’ve got the better end of the stick, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Sexism is real. Traditional gender roles are still expected. Women aren’t funny, and if we’re business savvy we’re bitches. We shouldn’t have high power positions because our menstruation might affect our decision making abilities.

I’m tired of it.

I’m tired of feminism being a subculture. Everyone should accept the fact that being a man is better in our society. It shouldn’t be better, but it is. It’s easier for them to be successful and to be listened to. If you can recognize that, but still believe that women should be treated as an equal sex, you are a feminist. ‘Feminism’ seems to be a more offensive ‘f’ word than ‘fuck’.

I’m tired of it.

I’m tired of seeing my friends and strangers constantly checking the mirror to make sure they look good. Imperfections aren’t allowed here, you see. We spend 5x longer getting ready, just so we can be taken seriously. But that either means that you’re fuckable, funny, or a professional. You can’t really be all three here, baby. There’s no room for that kind of crossover.

The conversation isn’t over. This stuff bears repeating. Maybe it’s old news to you, and that sucks, but nothing is fixed so I’m going to keep saying it. I’m not going to apologize for feminist rants, on my blog or in person. I’m not going to censor myself. I will call you out on your sexist speech or misogynistic behavior. It’s okay to be angry. You should be angry.

Maybe radical action isn’t your scene, and that’s fine. My goal isn’t to call you to action to start a rally. I want you to live well. I want you to shine. I want you to be the best person you can possibly be, regardless of your gender. Live your life the way you want to, but be your best. Constantly work to reach your potential. (Hint: you’ll never reach it. Your potential is enormous–But you have to try.) Make goals and challenge yourself. Love others and spread joy, but most of all– love yourself. And I’m going to keep covering up mirrors to remind you that you’re beautiful until you believe it.