Why My Love For Girly Stuff Is Okay

Society loves stereotyping people. It finds joy in categorizing people based on their profession, their family background, their state of origin and so on.
 

Perceptions define boundaries
 

“I am a writer” - the moment I say these words to someone, I know it creates a perception. If it is a telephonic conversation leading to a meeting and I appear in a comfortable summer dress, I can almost hear the unsaid.
 

“You don’t look like a writer.”

Just because I don’t wear khadi kurtas, thick spectacles and carry a bag!

Or,

“You look like a normal girl.”

Yes, because that is what I am! A normal girl who loves some of the ‘girly’ stuff.

The scrutiny then moves forward to my manicured hands, nail polish and matching footwear. If I tell them that Romcom is my favourite film genre and that I absolutely hate art films, I am sure the ‘writer’ image they had in mind is smashed even more.

I wonder why people who are considered ‘intellectual’ have to conform to specific norms of dressing and behaviour.

Workplace perceptions

Appearance leads to perception. An interesting study conducted by Cornell University revealed that overweight and obese women are subjected to a ‘wage penalty,’ with their wages dropping by 9% and 12% respectively. That’s unfair!

Women who love to dress up are often considered to be inviting while men who dress formally are considered to be suave and ambitious. This is the most common example of gender-based stereotyping at workplace.

The quest to fake a ‘formal’ appearance forces you to alter your choices even if you do not want to. This creates the idea of “I have an image to maintain”.

Just Be Yourself

I strongly believe that being competent at your work matters more than the image that you are supposed to have. I am also proud of the things I love – it doesn’t matter whether they are girly, artsy or something else!

So, on a given day you can come and see me in my pink PJs and my Elsa slip-ons, giggling at a conversation with my girlfriends. Open my cupboard and you will find an LBD, some makeup, accessories and jewelry.

Please do not be appalled. Love me for what I am. That is the real me.

Written by Ruchi Rajan


Also Read: Dr. Harshaa Vinod Tells Us Why Happiness Creates Success And Not The Other Way Around