*read what I have to say before you judge
Over the past week I've had discussions with women from across
the country about self-esteem in young girls and women. We've had discussions
about the objectification of women, the disposability of relationships, sexual
violence, porn, sexting, misogyny, the social constructs of beauty and the
threats, pressures and expectations placed upon the 21st century girl. Woaaaaah
right?!
So what's the one issue that struck me more profoundly than all
of these for a girl living in what could be called the 'turmoil' of the 21st
century?
To an extent; us girls are to be blamed.
Ouch, you say? Maybe "blame" is too strong a word to
use. I hear you.
Hear me out.
We've created and sustained a culture where it's been
normalised to slate other women.
E.g. To fat/thin shame, to criticise, to bully, to
inferior-ate, to judge, to bitch, to insult
Watch Cassey's inspirational video here.
Since when did this become acceptable? Since when did we believe
it justified?
Maybe it was when life became all about 'self'; slating others in
order to make them inferior in order to increase 'self' superiority?
Maybe it was when the purpose of making others feel insecure was
in order to increase our personal security?
Maybe it was when social media kicked-off this new dimension and
normality of comparison?
Well, do you know what - I've had enough. Have you?
Here's what I commit to doing, and am inspired by others doing,
in order to be the exception:
1. Encourage:
I intend on
eradicating the presence of discouragement in my converse with others. I intend on eradicating negativity from my
dialect.
2. Support:
I intend on
mentoring one-on-one those girls of the younger generation. Because real community needs to overcome
virtual community. Because one conversation at a time, seeds of hope can be sewn. Because listening is
one of the greatest gifts you can freely give
someone else. Because we can't judge another unless we know their heart.
3. Fight:
I intend on
having a voice and speaking out when I disagree with the way we treat one another. Whether it's a
supposed "role model" in the media or gossip behind another's back. I intend on
campaigning against disunity.
I believe one of the most powerful influencers of change is awareness.
Action: I challenge you to be intentionally aware of your
interaction with other women and their interaction with one another. What would
it look like if we all fought, supported and encouraged one another?
Do you want to do more?: I challenge you to post a photo of you and
other women with an encouraging and supportive message on social media; hashtag #weunite
Will you be the exception?
I'll keep you posted.
