This One's for the Girls

Women oppression. Not necessarily a new topic, amiright? But here we are, quoting Martina McBride and all. 

My honest opinion about women in this day of age? Yes, there is definitely oppression and I think most women don't recognize it until they take a step back and see the big picture; however, I also believe that in the quest towards perfection and equality, we fail to recognize and celebrate the progress that has made...especially within the last century. So, this one's for the girls--the things they are, wish they weren't and are striving to become/overcome. 

These 12 words/phrases are what I believe the world thinks, assumes or projects when they think of women. 

Equal rights

Whether it's a discussion of equal pay, a fight for the rights to their own bodies or a march in Washington, women in this modern age are raising their voices concerning equal rights.

(Photo attribution: www.cbsnews.com)

Motherhood

Women will always be categorized by their role of a parent and nurturing quality; however, mothers in this day and age are expressing that there is one than more way to be  a "mom." This commercial unveils the stigmas women hold as mothers and exemplifies how there's no one right way to parent. 

(Video attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GUgKcdmb4k)

 Aggressive

 Some think Sheryl Sandberg (above) is a boss in Silicon Valley. Others deem her as "bossy." Modern society categorizes driven, successful women as outspoken and aggressive. Women like Sandberg are trying to change that conversation and help women lean in and hang with the big boys.

(Photo attribution: Pinterest, www.womentakethelead.com)

Insecure

This commercial by Always shares how as girls mature their confidence plummets, leaving them to feel insecure and weak. The modern world projects that women are powerless; however, this advertisement shows that girls inherently believe they can do 

anything they think they can. 

(Video attribution: YouTube, http://bit.ly/2wvmrRP)

Diverse

With the expansion of social media and connections around the world, it's easy for girls to feel lost and unimportant. This video reminds me that though the world may assume all women are the same, each woman is individual and divine, offering their own somethin' somethin' to offer the world. 

(Video attribution: Hailey Devine, http://bit.ly/2kao8if)

Catty 

Between Mean Girls, KUWTK and whatever series of The Housewives of Orange County is showing...women are perceived as catty, mean and ruthless. 

(Photo attribution: http://bit.ly/2xoV3sY)

High maintenance 

The clothes, the makeup, the high expectations for date night...women in the modern world are plastered with the reputation of being high maintenance and impossible to please. 

(Photo attribution: Huffington Post, http://bit.ly/2h6Bxvb)

Competitive

Whether is topping each in bridesmaid speeches, landing the guy or getting the most likes on social media, women today are perceived as competitive, especially with one another. 
(Photo attribution: Pinterest, http://bit.ly/2x3JuHY)

Emotional

Society blaming women to be emotional? Ground breaking. Despite the advancements women have made in the technologic, medical and business fields, their emotions will

always be a contingency to their success. 

(Photo attribution: Pinterest, http://bit.ly/2wvJ1tL)

Workforce

Earlier this year McCann marketing placed "Fearless Girl" on Wall Street, sparking conversation about women's place in the 21st century workforce and 
their indefinite potential. 
(Photo attribution: Hannah Neser)

Feminine

Regardless of the progression of women concerning fashion, society still categorizes women as feminine. However, this commercial created by Vera Bradley depicts femininity as powerful, a quality women should embrace.
(Photo attribution: YouTube, http://bit.ly/2xoEbmj)

Perfect

Women in modern society are tasked with the need to be "perfect." This speech shares the perfectionistic strains that females encounter and how they can overcome them. 
(Video attribution: YouTube, Mormon Channel)