Today, when I was opening up my phone, my dictionary.com app popped up with it's Word of the Day. "Indomitable," I read aloud. "Impossible to subdue or defeat." My English major heart gave a little flutter at the sound of that powerful word. Indomitable. Unable to be dominated. This word should be used to describe armies and kings, people of power, but do you know what the example is below the definition? "A woman of indomitable spirit."
Why do we not use words like this to describe today's women? In our daily lives, we are face-to-face with women that cannot be defeated. Unbeatable women that stand up for what they believe in and refuse to back down. We have come so far in the last decade when it comes to women empowerment and our ability to speak for ourselves. It is no longer rare to see a woman taking to the big screen or social media to stand up for something they feel passionately about. But, when it comes to our day-to-day interactions, we limit ourselves to focusing on what we can see and admire.
When did women learn that a guy telling them that they're pretty is the ultimate compliment? When did 'hot', 'sexy' and 'gorgeous' become the best thing that a girl can be? Personally, I would rather be called strong than pretty. I want to be known for my relentless attitude, not my ability to take a picture in the right lighting. By rewarding shallow behaviors, we are creating shallow women.
But, how can we change something that is so ingrained in the nature of our society? It seems impossible to strive for a compliment that isn't focused on our appearance. The answer is simple: it starts with us. Women can't expect men to change their ways when we don't start the movement. Be the one who compliments their girlfriend on their ideas, their determination, and their individuality.
Now, don't get me wrong. There's nothing like hearing, "You look beautiful!" We don't have to stop calling each other pretty. Let's just expand our vocabulary. Let's give the younger girls in our generation, and the ones that follow, something to reach for that reaches a deeper level than what their Instagram shows. Being appreciated for what you do inspires you to do better. Bringing change to the culture of our women could be as easy as changing the way you talk about them. Women aren't objects to be admired. Women are fearless, bold, inspiring, and unbeatable.
Doesn't that sound better than "pretty"?
