Pretty

In this video, Tracy Spicer addresses the expectation for women to look perfectly put together at all times and the negative impact it has on our productivity. As I was watching it, I was really impressed with her stance and her presentation. Why are we so unhappy with the way we look and why do we waste countless hours on our appearance? If we spent less time worrying about these types of things and more time focusing on work, family, and hobbies, we'd probably accomplish a lot more and be a lot happier and healthier. I'm not trying to say we shouldn't enjoy looking our best and getting dressed up, but are we doing it for the right reasons. I love having my hair and makeup done. I find it completely enjoyable and consider it to be one of the perks of being a woman. I don't see any problem with that. I think the problem is that so many feel that they have to spend an hour on their appearance each day to even be seen by people, even if it isn't something they enjoy doing. It's ridiculous that women are told they have to be uncomfortable with their natural appearance and it's just holding them back from doing great things with their time. As Spicer suggests in her speech, one could learn another language, master a musical instrument, or earn a degree with the time collectively spent on beautification. This really made me think about how much of what I do is simply to meet some expectation set up by society and how I can change the way I think about beauty.

Focusing on the Wrong Things

This is the kind of image typically associated with modern feminism because feminism has become this sex-obsessed movement in which women objectify themselves and expose their bodies freely rather than a movement that encourages women to take themselves seriously, present themselves with dignity, and make an impact in the world.

The way I see it, feminism shouldn't look like this at all. I'm not proposing we feel ashamed of our bodies or sexuality, but would a man be taken seriously if he walked around like this? This brand of feminism just reiterates the idea that women are bodies. I understand that this isn't the intention, but why would someone who wants to be appreciated and recognized for her mind walk around naked? Obviously, the point they're trying to prove is that women, no matter what they are or are not wearing, are not deserving of sexual assault. This is absolutely correct. I don't think women should present themselves with respect and dignity for the sake of men and their thoughts. This is offensive to both and women, as it assumes that women are sex objects and men are senseless pigs with no control over their thoughts. I think they should do it for themselves. They should do it because they take themselves seriously and they should use their voices to do something that matters.