The phrase "not like other girls" has become pretty common on social media. It is used as a way to differentiate oneself from "the rest." Girls tend to say they aren't like other girls as a way to seem unique, quirky, different.
The phrase itself stems from traditional gender roles. Throughout history, women have been expected to be soft, pretty, feminine. The stereotypical woman is superficial, ditsy, and striving for the approval of men. Paradoxically, these qualities all have negative connotations and, historically, have led to constant shaming from men.
When a girl says she's "not like other girls," she's just feeding into the stereotypes that plague all women.
She is acknowledging that being feminine is a "bad" thing and that she is considered better because she possesses some quality that is not considered feminine, such as being interested in "male" things, not using makeup, and being nerdy.
This is the opposite of what feminism is fighting for.
We want to be respected and viewed as human beings, not just a stereotype. Women themselves are perpetuating the negative connotations of being feminine when they say they are not like other girls.
What exactly is wrong with other girls? Why can't a woman be feminine, smart, and strong, all at the same time?
Just because a woman cares about her appearance and likes being pretty does not mean she should be viewed as anything less than other women and men. This seems like common sense nowadays, but too many people are still giving strength to the negative stereotypes — including women themselves.
YouTuber Tiffany Ferguson made a whole video about this concept as a part of her "Internet Analysis" series. She describes it all so eloquently, going all the way back to the patriarchy and exploring why girls feel the need to be different.
Ladies, let's stop putting other women down for being themselves.
We are all unique individuals that have unique interests and we all deserve respect. Stop letting men tell us what is good for us and what is not.
We're better than that.
