Represent

Everyone wants to talk about women. So let's talk about women for a second.

The word "feminist" is accompanied by one torrent of a spectrum, but for the sake of this brief conversation, I'm going to call myself a feminist. 

I think I rock.

As do other women.

As do men.

As a general rule, I think human beings are pretty A+ creatures.

However, I've noticed something that I feel is being miscommunicated that I would love to clear up, if I can. It has to do with image, modesty, representation, and self respect.

If this is the first you're seeing this image, don't be too hard on yourself. This is Rihanna in her new video "Pour It Up." It emphasizes the allure of strippers and wealth. I'd like to hope that Rihanna has a whole truckload of redeeming qualities. I just...can't tell from that video.

I'm not seeing any strides for women here. I see power, yes. Perhaps a sense of freedom? To be honest this really isn't the kind of power I'm looking for. Maybe that's weird.

Now before you get all crazy on me and start thinking this:



I want to clarify that I don't think a body is anything to be ashamed of. I'm quite proud of mine, to be honest. This is not a "cover up- no one wants to see that" conversation. What an incredible phenomenon is the human body! I just mean to make the point, ridiculous as it may seem, that there is more to me as a being, a woman, a student, an activist, and whatever else I choose to be, than my physical appearance or sexual allure.

It's right about now that the big ugly word "modesty" comes into play. I know people hate that word. "Modesty" has come to have a nearly oppressive tint to it, and I lament that. So when I use it here, yes, I'm referring to clothing, but more than that- I'm referring to a sense of self imposed self-respect.
(Did anyone else notice how many S's that was? Just saying.)

Everyone likes talking about women in relation to men, so I'll indulge you for a second.

This image is featured at the Women's Rights Museum in Seneca Falls, New York. It's one of my personal favorites, and it's really what I'm talking about here. The message is, women are often seen for their quality outsides, and men for their quality insides. Under this rationale, I hope you're really proud of those master's degrees, ladies.

Do you wish to be respected for what goes on in your brain?

Do you consider yourself to have a strong character and a sound mind?

Does your will power or your cool intellect contribute and make the world a safer and more sane place?

Does your love for others give them hope or a greater reason to press on?

Then do yourself a favor. Focus on that, instead.

As a final example of what I mean by all of this, I'd like to give you just a few examples of women who I personally look up to, regardless of their sex appeal or nerve to walk outside in underwear. 

Jessica U. Meir-  Assistant Professor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, and one of the eight new astronauts of NASA. (Ok...once the government shutdown shenanigans are over)

 Chimamanda Adichie- Inspirational speaker and author. She has received education from Yale, Johns Hopkins, University of Nigeria,  Drexel, and Eastern Connecticut State University.

Crystal Christensen- Elementary school teacher, talented blogger, good friend, and currently battling bone cancer like a champion.

These three beautiful women inspire me to further develop what makes me who I am. Every day should be spent questioning, learning, giving everything you've got to make this world a better place, and let's be honest- the best way to do those things is with your clothes on.