Where is the Solidarity?

Women, we are indeed our own worst enemies. We wear heels because our legs are short, we shave our legs and armpits because the hair is 'gross', we wear mascara because our eyes are too small, we starve ourselves because fat is not sexy, we wear fake tan because our complexion is blotchy, and worst of all we are the ones who set this standard for ourselves, and others.

I'm not saying men have nothing to do with this- but how often do you hear a man say 'what a pale, small- eyed, short, bitch' compared to a woman? A man's assessment goes as far as 'she's fit' or 'she's a minger', but a woman's assessment of another woman's appearance goes much further into vicious detail.

We are certainly not making Rosie proud

I don't know where the idea that women have to shave their armpit and leg hair comes from- but I do know that we are all guilty of thinking it unsightly to see hair in these places on a woman. I can envision some great decider in the sky picking which natural female attributes 'need to change', the dialogue baring similarity to a 'New Year: New You' guide in Heat:

Great Decider: 'Cover up your chapped (disgusting) winter skin with our new £19.00 pore perfector- nobody likes big pores. Oh and btw, you've got to wear this season's clothes- which only fit my size 6 models who suffer from eating disorders and are deeply unhappy... so you better get chopping your tits off to fit in this season.'

As a woman, you could have; a successful career, children, meaningful relationships, good health- yet according to popular magazines and the majority of the female population- you're still a pale, fat, frigid plain Jane (no offence to any Janes out there). Look, even I am doing it- poor Janes of the world, what a horrible turn of phrase!

She's obviously purchase the £19.00 pore perfector

We buy magazines filled with unrealistic images of women who are, in turn, forced to pretend that their shit doesn't stink. Tulisa's video response to the broadcasting of a sex tape she made with her ex boyfriend was fantastic- instead of shying away, she faced the drama head- on and refused to apologise- rightly so! As long as we continue to criticise ourselves and others for being and doing things that are completely natural- like having sex and child-bearing curves, we will never be happy! There are women dying all over the world, yet we can't face living before we lose 'those extra few pounds' or become 'that bit more fabulous'.

I am going to reference Carlton Banks once again for his sheer genius. Just as he tells us that black is what he is, not something he is- trying to be, a woman is something you are, not something you need to try to be by changing everything that is natural to you. So, next time you see; your sister, your friend, your mother, your reflection in the mirror- tell them that they are a beautiful person, because they are. 

His philosophy is just applicable to so many things