Hi Everyone:
I am continuing this topic from another thread in Chicks in Control. I am not sure if I have posted this in the right place.
I just want to get feedback on how you think women are judged and criticized for their looks and not valued for the kind of person that is inside.
I went to an arts and crafts fair a few years ago and I was standing in a group of older women, many of whom, like me, were very overweight. Walking through the crowd were 3 teenage boys who were looking at the women up and down, laughing and saying "looks like we aren't going to find any hot girls here!" They quickly disappeared into the crowd. I am not surprised by the lack of respect, just very disappointed.
It seems that if a woman meets the cultural standard definition of young and attractive, she is a sex object. If she is older or does not meet some standard, she isn't worth much. I have seen both men and women judge women very harshly.
I had a female manager who used to tell me constantly how I could improve my looks (don't wear glasses, wear lighter colors, wear different types of clothes). I finally said to her: "what is this, Extreme Makeover? I am dressed appropriately for work so you don't need to be concerned beyond that. Besides, would you tell a male colleague the same thing?" She told me that I am too sensitive and to not be so defensive.
I am very interested in hearing everyone's opinion about this.
It took me a very long time to learn to not give a s*** when people make rude comments. I am wondering why society hasn't advanced beyond this pettiness?