Here’s the thing: women are told all the time what they should look like. Any woman will tell you that when she opens a magazine, turns on the TV or logs onto Instagram she’s presented with a perception of the ideal woman, and she’s reminded that she doesn’t look like that. There seems to be this idea that you have to look like Heidi Klum and Gisele Bündchen’s love child to be considered beautiful.
It’s unfair and frustrating, I know. But we can’t lay the blame at men’s feet. Let’s face it: they’re under exactly the same pressure. As humans, we’ve become obsessed with appearances and banish as ugly anything that doesn’t live up to preconceived, totally arbitrary ideas of perfection.
So, instead of banning Barbies, let’s build self-confidence. And let’s become confident in ourselves without belittling others. (During a marathon Pinterest session the other day, I came across a pin that said, “True confidence isn’t walking into a room and thinking you’re better than everyone else. It’s walking into a room and not comparing yourself to anyone in the first place.)
There’s always going to be someone to compare yourself to. Stop focusing on them and start focusing on you.
On a side note, if you’re going to OppiKoppi, please survive. If you see us there, buy us a drink or three.
If you’re not going to OppiKoppi, I feel sorry for you.
Max
