I'm A Tomboy Who Learned How To Be 'Girly'
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I'm A Tomboy Who Learned How To Be 'Girly'

And why being "girly" isn't against feminism, but actually a key component of it.

632
I'm A Tomboy Who Learned How To Be 'Girly'
www.playbuzz.com

I was never really a girly girl.

I had always preferred toy cars to Barbie dolls and getting dirty outside to being clean inside. I was good at sports, which caused me to befriend more boys playing kickball at recess than girls doing each other's hair. Most of my childhood life was defined by the crack of a softball bat hitting an obnoxiously yellow colored ball and the squeak of basketball shoes on the court, or the squish of mud between my fingers or under my bare feet.

I was the definition of a tomboy. When I annoyed my older sister, she would go as far as to say that I actually was a boy. Not a great insult, mind you, but it was damaging and confusing enough for a six year old psyche.

For a long time, I wanted to be like the other girly girls. But eventually, I embraced the tomboy persona placed upon me, thereby rejecting anything and everything that I deemed "girly." I loathed the color pink throughout elementary school, I hated myself for liking Glee in middle school and I scoffed at other girls for wearing makeup to high school every day.

I have just graduated from high school, but it is only recently that I've started to give into my girly side. The past year, I started wearing makeup every day. For prom, I watched YouTube tutorials to learn how to do actual makeup-- and I was surprisingly good at it. I'm starting to learn how to do my hair and tricks to skin care. I'm baking more, and I'm apparently good at that too.

These are all stereotypically female activities-- they don't have to be, but society has long since deemed them as so. So, am I sexist for trying to be "girly" (whatever that means) now that I actually enjoy it?

I don't think so.

To me, a big part of feminism is embracing that which makes you feminine-- traits like empathy and gentleness and compassion. To exhibit those qualities in tasks such as cooking or doing makeup isn't sexist. If anything, it's the opposite.

Feminism has become a concept to many where females are expected to act like mento achieve equality. Essentially, natural womanly qualities can be erased in the search for equality between men and women, but that should not be the case. Men and women should be equal in terms of opportunities and discrimination and education, but they should not be equal in essence. In other words, men and women can be strong, but in entirely different ways, and men and women can be weak, again in different ways. Masculinity and femininity are very different concepts that cannot be equalized, but should both be celebrated, as every person contains qualities from each label.

While there have been many advances in feminism, like how women are now expected to work and to get educated, there are set-backs, like how stay-at-home moms are now often criticized. There is nothing wrong with doing anything stereotypically female if you're a female, and no one should feel like less of a feminist for enjoying those things.

From a person who felt the need to hate girly things for most of her life, I now think it's important to embrace the feminine or masculine qualities that you have. Feminism is not about every woman working and getting educated-- it is about having the choice to do so if you wish. But there is also the choice not to, and that shouldn't be shamed either. To be a stay-at-home mom isn't against feminism, and being a tomboy as a kid doesn't mean you should reject all things feminine.

I have never really been a girly girl, but I'm finally enjoying trying to be one.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71555
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133525
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments