You Might Be a Woman in 2017 If...

Although women have come far in terms of equality over the centuries, our experiences are uniquely different from men's even in 2017. Through the good, the bad, and even the ugly, here is a small glimpse into what the experience of being a modern woman entails.

...you still get a taste of the same things women have struggled with throughout time.

The Irritating Gentleman, Berthold Woltze
Oil on Canvas, 1874

If we were to only change the Victorian clothing for some skinny jeans and printed tees in this painting, the story and emotions captured in the painting would seem just as common today as they were in 1874. The way the woman in the painting is dressed, as well as her facial expression and posture, suggest that she is in mourning and would prefer to be alone. The "Irritating Gentleman" doesn't care about that and persists in demanding her attention. I feel that this is still sometimes the attitude men in general have towards women today. The prevalence of rape culture and sexual harassment suggest that there is still a prevailing sentiment among men that women are obligated to meet their needs; either sexually or socially. 

...you find female role models in the media that empower you.

Quote from Parks & Recreation, graphic by allye93 on redbubble.com

The days of damsels in distress are being left behind in favor of strong women who can take care of themselves across the media. From smart, self-made women like Parks & Recreation's Leslie Knope on television to determined, strong-willed leaders in government like former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, women today have more positive role models than ever before. Being represented as more than just the "weaker sex" dependent on men helps me to see my full potential as a woman and work to strive towards that potential. 

...you can save the world, but only if you're hot.

https://civilianreader.com/2016/09/14/guest-post-writing-strong-women-by-m-r-carey/

Unfortunately, the increase in female leads in media has not had a proportionate increase in female filmmakers or decision-makers in media. The result is sexually-idealized "strong female leads." I find it very empowering to see female superheroes and saviors in many action movies today. But I also recognize the underlying message that being sexually appealing is a prerequisite for being one of these strong female leads.

...you are belittled for having characteristics that men are applauded for.

BanBossy.com

The headlines surrounding last year's presidential election are just one evidence that men and women are still not playing by the same rules. I often see men praised for being authoritative and commanding, while women will be called "bossy" and "pushy" for doing the same exact things. This quote from supermodel Victoria Beckham questions this hypocrisy in a new campaign called Ban Bossy, hoping to eliminate the negative connotations surrounding women pursuing leadership. Part of being a modern woman is recognizing this problem and adopting the words of Beyonce as our mantra: "I'm not bossy; I'm the boss." 

...you choose to be defined and define others by more than just appearance.

Milk and Honey, Rupi Kaur

As the beauty standards pushed by the mainstream media become more and more unrealistic, modern women are coming to a new awakening that beauty does not define worth. In this poem by feminist poet Rupi Kaur, I find strength in knowing there are far better things to be than beautiful. This paradigm shift will not only help us love ourselves more, but it will help us to be more supportive and less jealous of other women. 

...you aren't afraid to call out the world's "tilted stage."

Just a few weeks ago, international superstar Taylor Swift broke almost a year of silence with a new song called "Look What You Made Me Do." The song is a blanket statement on the almost constant barrage of negative headlines about Swift for doing things that are either applauded or ignored when coming from a male artist. In past centuries, women have noticed the unfair double standard and just accepted it. But as women become more empowered, they are finding their voice to call out this double standard. While this music video is also a defense against personal attacks made against Swift, I also see it as a wake-up call to the media practices that perpetuate these stereotypes and double standards. 

... you're expected to do it all, and flawlessly.

https://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/05/11/seagate-slim-hard-drive-giveaway/

Some women pursue a career and are then judged for not having a family. Some women pursue a family and then are judged for putting a career on the back burner. Some women do both, some women do neither, but no matter what course a woman pursues, there is always expectation that she should do more. In my eyes, modern women are truly superheroes and master multitaskers. I really believe that this social pressure on women to juggle every aspect of life, although not a fair or good expectation, has molded women into being the glue that holds our society together. 

...you're leading the charge of women breaking into male-dominated fields.

"Navy Legs" by John Bildahl

This photograph by John Bildahl was taken at a Navy Academy graduation ceremony. I believe it would take a lot of courage to be the only woman among a huge crowd of men, entering a profession that has largely been considered a "boys club." Modern women have to work twice as hard to be recognized and considered for positions among their male coworkers in almost every industry and occupation. These women act as pioneers blazing a trail for future generations of women to fearlessly pursue whatever career they want, regardless of whether women "traditionally" are found in that career.

...the world prioritizes your body over your life. 

http://neverlosespirit.blogspot.com/2010/10/power-of-people-pink.html

There are countless examples of media and the masses reducing women's worth to their bodies and, ultimately, their sexuality. I feel that this is one of the saddest examples of this trend. These men are attending a Breast Cancer Awareness event, a very worthy cause. Unfortunately, this cause has been reduced to the slogan on their shirts: "Save the TaTas." Instead of focusing on the fact that breast cancer can actually cost lives, the main marketing campaign for awareness has focused on saving women from losing a feature that makes them sexually appealing.

...you are making the world a better place for all women.

https://www.worldpulse.com/en/community/users/days-girls-international/resources/63232

Modern women are compassionate and philanthropic. They recognize that their problems are shared by women throughout the world. One example of women's efforts to relieve each others suffering is the Days For Girls International organization. Women have banded together to create femine hygiene kits for women in parts of the world where access to these supplies is limited. The vision is for every girl and woman to have ready access to feminine hygiene by 2022.

...you are underrepresented in government.

 

This video is a clip from the documentary Miss Representation by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The documentary notes many struggles the modern woman faces, but this clip focuses on the lack of woman representation in government. Women make up half of the world's population, but only 17% of the government of the United States. When groups are not well represented, their views and life experiences are not taken into account while law is being written. Although modern women have more of a voice than ever over social media, their voice is still limited in the seats of power. 

...you see how far women have come and fight for how far we still need to go.

Dartmouth Women's March, dartmouth.edu

Early in 2017, hundreds of thousands of women participated in Women's Marches around the country and even in a few international locations. Like women before them in the Suffragette movement of the early 20th century and the second wave of feminism in 1960s, these women let their voices be heard on subjects that effect them directly. Modern women respect the women who make the comforts they enjoy today possible by continuing to better the world for women in the future.