The other day as I was mindlessly scrolling through my Facebook timeline, I stopped to checkout an article that managed to catch my attention. This particular article was titled "Why Girls Should Stop Wearing High-Waisted Bikinis." As it was shared by Total Sorority Move (TSM), a platform that allows individuals to write and share humorous articles, I opened the link in preparation for a satirical article that would actually be about how women can rock this new trend. However, to my dismay, I found out it was actually written by TSM's brother site, Total Frat Move (TFM), which has a similar objective as TSM, but is more sexist toward women (not that TSM has much room to talk with the amount of articles they produce objectifying men, but that's a different story).
So as I decided to continue reading, with my hopes of this article being satirical and actually uplifting for women slowly diminishing, I read the introduction and instantly became infuriated by the amount of sexism found in just the first nine sentences of the article. Before I continue, I want to give you all a chance to read the article which was submitted by the author who goes by the username "The Therapist" on May 18, 2016. Here, check it out - "Why Girls Should Stop Wearing High-Waisted Bikinis". To give you all a basic synopsis of The Therapist's literary stroke of idiocy, he is saying that women, or "girls," as he likes to refer to them, should not wear the high-wasted bikini bottom style because it desexualizes women's bodies for him.
Now, in his introduction, The Therapist does state "Being someone who owns a very strong opinion and has this fine medium through which to express my views, I’d like to discuss with you guys the fashion faux pas that is sweeping the female population." Yes, he certainly does have his right to express his opinions through his article. However, I also have this right as well and I will be using it to express my opinion about The Therapist's sexist view on women as portrayed in his article. So, let's get started by countering each of his three points as to "why girls should stop wearing high-waisted bikinis."
"They Look Like Something Our Moms Would Wear"
First of all, I'm sorry that you were disappointed in your beach experience. I really am. I mean, the whole point of women going to the beach and wearing bikinis is for you to have a good time by watching them in their "glorified underwear," right? Wrong. If a woman wants to wear a bikini to the beach, she can most certainly do so. If a man wants to go to the beach, he can most certainly go to the beach. However, if the only reason you are going to the beach is to watch women in their bikinis, that my friends, is simply creepy and downright degrading. Also, it is not women's responsibility to ensure that you enjoy seeing them at the beach. They are not there for you, and they are definitely not there for you to use them for "adding pics to a potential image bank to use for later."
And it is certainly not their fault that you cannot help but think of your mother when you see a woman in anything more than their "glorified underwear." You think high-waisted clothes is associated with old age? That's fine, you can think that. But it doesn't change the fact that women are still not wearing a swim suit at the beach for your enjoyment. They may also be there for other things like, I don't know, to have fun with friends and family, to actually swim in their swimsuits, to enjoy the beach for their own purposes and not to show off their assets to you.
Most Sexist Comment of This Section: "If you’re going to go full mom mode, then you might as well stop posting those ass shots to Instagram, too (jk please don’t do that)." I don't think this even needs rebuttal. It's just plain sexist. Good job.
"Normal Girls Don't Look Good In Them"
Normal girls, huh? Okay, I'll give The Therapist some props for not expecting all women to look like supermodels or celebrities, other men could take note. However, don't get too big of a head, The Therapist, you're still not off the hook. All women are entitled to wear whatever style they feel most comfortable in. If that's the "glorified underwear" you like to see women in so much, fine. But if it's the high-waisted bikinis that you despise, so be it.
Here's a hard truth that everyone needs to hear, men and women alike: women come in all shapes and sizes. And all of those shapes and sizes are normal. There is not one kind of woman that is more "normal" than the other. Contrary to the article, there is no necessary "ass/breast/waist ratio necessary to turn this look into something semi-sexual." Women face enough body shaming in their lives. They get it from all around through the media, from other people (men and women) and even from themselves. They do not need any more criticism, trust me. So next time you feel the need to judge a women's body type or eating habits ("Most college girls aren’t willing to give up their margaritas and late night pizza for long enough to allow these Pull-Ups disguised as bikinis to look good."), please stop to consider how much damage you are actually doing, even to the most confident of women.
Most Sexist Comment of This Section: "These girls have the body to pull it off. You do not. Snap me photo proof if you think you can." Again, still no rebuttal needed. It's just simply sexist. Proud of you.
"Your Ass Disappears In These Things"
I assure you that the designer of the high-wasted bikini had another intention besides "to create as many flat asses as possible." I also seriously doubt that "he’s a tits guy and just has a flat-out hatred for ass." There are so many things wrong with these two statements, I can't even believe it. OK, first of all, while I doubt either of us actually know who designed the high-waisted bikini, don't assume it was a man. Actually, on second thought, since this style originated in the early to mid 1900's when women were still thought to be less competent than men in any area requiring thought (including fashion), you're probably right. Curse the long-lived patriarchy.
Anyway, as for the creator making "as many flat asses as possible," maybe the creator wasn't concerned about the sexualization of women when it was designed. Imagine this: someone designing a swimsuit for women that isn't "glorified underwear." [Wow, The Therapist. I sure am glad you used that phrase. It has really come in handy while writing this article.] Now, don't get me wrong. If a woman wants to wear "glorified underwear," go for it! There is nothing wrong with it if that is what you feel confident in. You do you, girl. However, it shouldn't be expected that that is the only bikini style that is socially acceptable.
I'm glad this following section came at the end of The Therapist's article because my infatuation didn't escalate to full fledged rage until I read this: "Girls will spend hours in the gym perfecting their asses. That’s why, when it comes to clothes, girls like to show off their best assets. If you don’t believe me, then why are you wearing that low-cut top and those yoga pants to class? Because it’s comfy, or because you know you’ll get some looks? Want comfort? Wear sweats or norts." No, The Therapist, just no.
This is such a huge double standard between men and women. Women literally cannot wear anything without being judged for it. They wear clothes that some deem to be too revealing? All of a sudden they're sluts only looking for attention. They wear clothes that don't show enough? They're boring and prudish. People, men and women alike, who judge women like this need to get over themselves. Here's a fun concept to consider: women are allowed to wear whatever they want. If it's comfortable, they can wear it. If it's comfortable and happens to "show off their best assets," they can wear it, too. Stop assuming that every outfit a woman wears is meant for anyone else besides herself.
Most Sexist Comment of This Section: "So why waste a good ass by stuffing it in the proverbial locker that is the high-waisted bikini?" This one does require a rebuttal: because it is her ass to do with it as she pleases. Still so incredibly sexist. Congratulations.
Most Sexist Comment of The Article: "Now I know that technically a girl’s clothing isn’t supposed to make my pants feel funny, but let’s get real, ladies." Yes, you are completely correct, that is not the purpose of a women's clothing at all. I'm glad you have the basic reasoning skills needed to recognize that. A woman's clothing is actually supposed to make her feel comfortable and confident. A woman's purpose is not to pleasure you, in any way, shape or form. The fact is, women are human beings with purpose far greater then looking attractive for others and deserve much more respect than The Therapist's article is giving them. Women, being confident is hard enough, so listen up: Wear whatever you want this summer to the beach. You wear that low-cut bikini, you wear that one-piece swimsuit, and you especially wear that high-waisted bikini if that is what you want because it is not up to anyone but you.





















