Among people of the same gender, not everyone is judged the same. Some body types are praised, while others are criticized. These differences raise important questions like: Why do some women get belittled while others are admired?
Even within the same gender, people often face very different expectations about how their bodies should look. Whether in the workplace or at school, many women have to deal with these problems. This leads to judgement of women who don’t fit the standards. While some bodies are praised, others are criticized, even though sometimes they can’t control it. Many women face what is considered double standards which is not acceptable, everyone should have the opportunity to be treated equally.
Many women have to go through strict dress codes regarding their body type, whether they are “slim-thick” or thin. We often question whether standards are meant to keep women safe from wandering eyes. But if that is the case, why do women have to protect themselves from men who can’t keep their eyes to themselves?
We as women should be comfortable to dress as we like without having to worry about judgement. We often see these standards in areas like work places or schools. Men and boys are generally free to wear whatever they want without any consequence, whereas women can wear something a tad bit revealing and get shamed or criticized. Women are always expected to look put together, but at the same time not too much because then we’re trying too hard. But if we don’t try enough we look slumpy. Like the article said a woman is judged first on appearance, then her demeanor, and then eventually her skills.
Schools around the world always have had a dress code whether it be lenient or strict. But have we noticed that a girl’s dress code is often way different than a boy’s? Women usually are not allowed to wear anything revealing, either the strap on your tank top is too thin or their outfit is simply too “distracting.” On the other hand, boys don’t face the same judgment. This starts to send messages to women at a young age, saying that your body may be too much causing insecurity and low self esteem so early on. It shows young girls that their body is the problem, instead of teaching boys to be respectful to others. But like the saying goes, “Boys will be boys.”
The pattern of this doesn’t end in school areas, it also continues in the workplace. Women continue to walk on the thin line of looking professional and not drawing too much attention to themselves. The amount of backlash a woman receives on the daily, simply because of how they perceive themselves is heartbreaking. We can’t win.
Many adults, especially males, don’t realize what the damage they cause does to these women in the long run. These dress codes are not helping anyone, women understand that they are not allowed to dress vulgarly in professional settings. If one is obviously violating some sort of dress code it is understandable to say something. But on the other hand if they are wearing jeans or work pants and show too much of their curves/assets, it’s not their fault. Some women are naturally more pronounced than others and it is something they don’t have control of.
We also see that overweight women are pressured to cover up more. Due to societal norms, thinness and beauty often go hand in hand, while larger bodies need to be hidden for the public’s satisfaction. The fad of desexualization of bigger bodies has been going around for a while so it’s no surprise. Social media, brands, and public figures continue to push the idea, making it a part of everyday life.
The real issue is not what women are wearing, it’s that women’s bodies are being treated as objects. In today’s society we should have enough knowledge and kindness to respect people, specifically women because they can’t control their body shape. True equality looks like a woman being able to walk into a place and feel comfortable, not judged. Until the standard becomes treating everyone with respect, women will keep fighting battles that should have never existed in the first place.
