In The 21st Century, Loving Myself Is Radical Feminism
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

As A 21st Century Woman, Loving Myself Is The Greatest, Most Radical Form Of Feminism

Some may argue it's the most radical idea women can do these days.

1040
As A 21st Century Woman, Loving Myself Is The Greatest, Most Radical Form Of Feminism

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through Snapchat and saw Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Vogue "Get Ready With Me" video displayed on my For You page.

Like many millennial women, I love makeup and learning what other people's process looks like.

But the most insightful part of these videos, specifically Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez's video, is her message about accepting ourselves for who we are.

While getting ready she says "Our culture is so predicated on diminishing women and preying on our self-esteem, and so it's quite a radical act—and it's almost like a mini protest—to love yourself in a society that's always telling you you're not the right weight, you're not the right color, you're not the right, you know, whatever it is," she says. "When you stand up and say, 'You know what? You don't make that decision. I make that decision,' it's very powerful."



Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Guide to Her Signature Red Lip | Beauty Secrets | Voguewww.youtube.com

This message stayed with me, and I could stop thinking about it.

Our society is always telling women how we should and shouldn't dress, what makeup styles are in or how we should and shouldn't look.

While I like staying up on specific trends, I should not be making choices to look a certain way based on what society deems as right.

I agree with the congresswoman; accepting yourself is the most radical act women in this decade can make.

It is hard to love ourselves when gossip magazines shame celebrities for gaining even the littlest bit of weight or for stepping outside without a full beat.

Fashion magazines, although getting better, are filled with thin women only five percent of women look like naturally.

We have this picture of what the "perfect" body type is. Even me, a working model, finds it difficult to accept the way I look every single day. Instead of being filled with negative thoughts, I should find ways to love myself.

Reality television shows like "The Bachelor" or "Big Brother" show these flawless looking women with perfect skin, hair, and bodies, all who have quickly risen to fame.

No wonder women and young girls struggle with self-love and acceptance.

As a society, we need to stop overthinking scenarios that feed into our self-doubt. Instead of dreading the things that we aren't, let's focus on all of the beautiful qualities and powerful attributes we have, the parts of ourselves which make us all special and unique, instead of perfectly editing negatives on Instagram.

Beauty is an inside job, and to truly love yourself we need to accept who we are.

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez inspires a lot of women to fight for equality. While I still love makeup and will use it as a way to enhance who I am, I think we all need to remember that the best form of feminism is to love ourselves and all that we are, flaws and all.

Report this Content
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

22036
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

948905
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

125790
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments