According to Wikipedia, women’s bodies, like all other human beings, are composed of elements, including skin, muscle, bone, and an array of chemical components. However, after reflecting on public opinion, we’ve found out that women are often expected to embody a delicate blend of sugar, spice, and all things nice, as if their essence must conform to an idealized and singular image. Just unattainable hopes, viewed through the eyes of a society whose soul is constantly degrading under the influence of social media and internalized misogyny.
Moving forward to the topic we’re going to explore in this article, femininity has also seen various constraints over the centuries, wrongfully smearing in the eyes of many women. It is not about encouraging women to adopt the persona of Vikings, but perhaps femininity isn’t solely defined by the image of soft-spoked, leg-crossed, smiling women. To be feminine is to return to yourself, honor your needs, cherish your gifts, and make peace with who you truly are when nobody is watching you.
In a world where everything is hyper-censored, the one thing you truly control is the ability to express yourself.
What are The Most Common Stereotypes About Femininity?
Many movies and books are all about blatant feminine stereotyping scenarios, targeting teen girls in the hope of making them understand that the femininity promoted nowadays is dumb and undesirable. Thinking that being feminine equals embodying a shallow blonde who struts around in twelve-inch-high heels is a very toxic mentality that, unfortunately, is gently instilled within our souls from a very young age, and perhaps all of it ensures that the consumerist industry continues to thrive. Flagrantly speaking, women are the prime target of the consumerist sector, as in a world where they would truly love themselves without striving for an illusion of perfection, countless industries built on insecurity would crumble. While this may not be a problem within our control, there is value in perceiving reality exactly as it is, with clarity, honesty, and acceptance. Now, let’s take a look at the most common stereotypes about femininity:
- Women who wear oversized or androgynous clothing are seen as less feminine.
- Women who speak too loudly are perceived as aggressive, hostile, or unfeminine.
- Women who enjoy physical strength or sports are considered disgraceful. This stereotype ignores the diversity of feminine expression in athleticism and physicality and implies that thin, petite women are synonymous with elegance, grace, and beauty.
- In a world where femininity consists of constant grooming and presentation, women who are not wearing make-up or styling their hair are considered careless or less feminine.
How Stereotypes Have Destroyed Women’s Self-Confidence Over the Years?
Given the rigid and particular feminine standards portrayed by society, it’s easy to feel excluded. Consequently, the desperate desire to evoke femininity in a world where every standard is specially designed to be unattainable stopped a lot of girls from having confidence in their true selves, while it encouraged them to constantly try to embody a persona that could please outsiders’ perceptions. Pretending to be someone or something we’re not is one of the biggest traps we can fall into in life. For instance, imagine how cruel and hilarious it would be to feel a burning desire to attend football games and scream your lungs out for your favorite player, only to end up booking tickets to ballets or opera, all for the sake of being perceived as feminine and delicate.
Femininity exists within you. Chanel it!
There are a few places in the world where women were not touched or influenced by unrealistic feminine standards and lived a life of honesty and grace. For example, African women follow their own feminine standards and perceive self-love and confidence as essential traits in the process of embracing their full feminine energy. They value femininity as something that comes from within rather than focusing on expensive dresses and designer shoes. Their sense of fashion prioritizes simplicity, contrary to European feminine standards, which typically imply spending three hours getting ready. In their culture, waist beads are very popular due to their symbolism of confidence, self-love, and well-being. You can find more about this simple yet very meaningful piece at AfricanFabs, a brand that offers authentic insights and distinctive clothing inspired by African heritage.
Furthermore, it would be impossible to channel your inner femininity without knowing who you truly are. In a world dominated by the media, it becomes all too easy to lose sight of your beliefs and, in time, even forget the sound of your own name. There is nothing more destructive than exhaustingly trying to become whole by piecing together the traits and remnants of women society deems feminine, as true femininity cannot be built by borrowed ideals.
Please take a second (or perhaps multiple hours) to think of what you like and what you believe in when no one is imposing their perceptions upon you. It takes immeasurable courage to become who you really are, but true femininity lies in having the strength of being unapologetically yourself. Nothing is more feminine than a woman who is brave enough to show the world her true colors.
Master the Art of Expressing your Inner Femininity without Thinking Too Much About … Anything!
To express your inner femininity, you need to delve into your own personal story. Being confident requires numerous moments spent in quiet reflection, acknowledging all of your thoughts, emotions, and any other aspects of your mind that make up who you are. Furthermore, journaling and mirror affirmations are known for their power to encourage women to turn their inhibitions into strengths and valuable knowledge.
Lastly, we would like to raise awareness of one other controversy that has soaked up women’s existence: “Women who use vulgar language are atrocious and very unfeminine.” This is a vicious perception that fails to disappear, consequently leaving you with the two following options:
- Stop caring.
- Learn the art of politely expressing impolite thoughts.
