Over the past year or so, I’ve noticed a trend amongst the female community: the uplifting of one another. Across Twitter I’ll see entire accounts dedicated to this along with the frequent tweets on the subject. Seeing this I was simply amazed like, “Wow. Look at us girls, putting aside the pettiness and insecurity to bring each other up.” But I took a step back a week ago to try and gain some perspective on whether or not we, ladies, have truly made some meaningful strides in supporting our own community.
Ehhhh…slight strides were made.
Once I make this point, it’ll be clear why I believe we haven’t gotten as far as we may think. While it is nice to receive and give compliments, they only go so far. Yes, they could turn someone’s hellish day around, but it is a temporary fix. It is an acknowledgement of one’s physical appearance, more often than not, and it’s about as supportive as complimenting a friend’s car and leaving them with an empty tank.
However, I could be wrong. Perhaps I’m mistaking when I associate the endless clapping emojis following a complimentary tweet with the lack of legitimate concern.
If I am incorrect, then that must mean, ladies, we’re already on it. We’re telling our friends to stay on top of their internship applications, or suggesting new places to work, or offering anything other than simple compliments to each other.
The fact of the matter is, we need to practice what we preach. The general female population, not everyone, sees the need to join together and rise up in a world that is still quite misogynistic. Look at our new president. It may not be as obvious or bold as it was back in the day, but it is there. Women are still looked down upon both consciously and subconsciously. Again, this does not include everyone.
So next time we catch ourselves hollering some “YASSSS GIRL SLAY” and then keeping a distance from every other girl, we should take a moment. Can we help in any way, no matter how small? Did she apply for the scholarship I won last year? Is she struggling with the course I passed with an A?
We have so much desire and will to uplift one another. We speak and tweet it about how necessary and easy it is. But it is time we all start to act on it.
That is the only way women can get some tangible results.
