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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Conversation overheard on phone on bus - sums a lot up :(

32 replies

itshardthinkingofanickname · 22/02/2014 21:03

A young woman. Just left college. I don't make a habit of eavesdropping but she was just in front of me.

Didn't go out last night because she was unhappy with her make up so she washed it off and stayed in. Her feet were really hurting with blisters and her toes felt squashed because her new heels were uncomfortable. She was talking about her diet but worried the KFC would put weight on.

It just kind of summed up a lot about expectations that a bloke would never have. Still - it was ok because she had a bottle of vodka at home and she was planning to go out and get smashed that night.

A lot of pressure to fit in.

OP posts:
TheDoctrineOfSnatch · 23/02/2014 00:47

And why might a young woman's self esteem be tied up with how she looks? Could that be social conditioning, perhaps?

LordFocus · 23/02/2014 00:43

That was probably coming from within. I doubt she did look horrible - she just felt horrible. If she went out no one would have said you look crap be off home. Less to do with social conditioning and more to do with her own self esteem I suspect.

Nancery · 23/02/2014 00:34

Horrid as you feel awful due to how you look?

LordFocus · 23/02/2014 00:31

I don't really understand - what does it sum up? The fact she was having an off day? And why is it horrid?

MummyBeerest · 23/02/2014 00:30

I actually do think there's a lot of pressure for males to look a certain way too. I know quite a few men (and one teenage boy) on a diet and regular exercise regimen.

But I agree that in the grand scheme of things, this shouldn't matter and women tend to feel more guilt than men. Maybe? Or maybe just the ones I know.

peggyundercrackers · 23/02/2014 00:22

Really? In my work I would hear a similar tale from a man well apart from the sore feet part. Yep men wearing makeup is quite common now, and yes they worry about their weight too...

Nancery · 23/02/2014 00:12

I agree. Horrid.
As Cailtin Moran put it, would men out up with this shit?
There's no need! Surely?