There are few things I despise more than having my appearance praised by a thirty-something year old man I’ve passed on the street. What’s the point? Nothing, if anything, good comes from something so shallow as an unwanted, demeaning compliment. It’s past time that boys and men learn to pay homage to a woman’s assets other than physical attractiveness.
When a guy says “You’re the prettiest girl I’ve laid eyes on” to a young female passerby, he discredits every ounce of her purpose- her passion, her sense of humor, her hard work and talents. What gives you, a stranger, the right to discuss my body with me? Of course every girl wants to hear that she’s beautiful, but coming from the mouth of an unknown male, it can feel belittling and inappropriate.
Why does that man on the street think it’s a good idea to walk up to a vulnerable young girl and strike a conversation revolving around her good physique? A relationship that starts with appearance as the sole proprietor can’t possibly be deep or fulfilling. Strangers and acquaintances alike: it’s 2017 and females deserve to be appreciated on a deeper level.
Women can’t possibly feel fully empowered when on a day-to-day basis, male recognition is placed mostly on their beautiful smile or nice ass. Of course females are becoming more and more recognized for new accomplishments, that never would’ve happened a hundred years ago, but I’m talking about the small scale. Women have been in the spotlight for some amazing things: gold medals at the Olympics, Grammys, Oscars, the U.S. even had its first female presidential nominee of a major party this past election. Sadly, it goes without saying that even these amazingly talented women have been targets of male belittlement (dare I say “Nasty Woman”?).
A man’s description of a woman says so much about his character. Characterizations along the lines of, “She makes me laugh” or “She’s a really good listener”, are so much more meaningful than a lust-driven outburst. So guys, and especially older guys, next time you’re in a casual setting (train, street, grocery store, etc.) and see that pretty young thing whom you’d like to compliment, DON’T. She doesn’t deserve to feel uncomfortable because you’re looking for some action.
In the end, women need to be appreciated for more than being just a hot piece of ass. Yes, we all love to hear that we are beautiful under the right circumstances. However, I’d much rather have someone appreciate me for my funny laugh or my intelligence. I’m positive that if suddenly, day-to-day attention was drawn from a woman’s appearance and placed on her personality and accomplishments, female empowerment would be lightyears ahead of where it is today.
