Quote:
Originally posted by DeltAlum
Just so I understand your point, are you saying that a strong woman can't be feminine? Or Vice Versa?
I don't buy that.
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No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying that if a woman plays up her femininity, she's emphasizing other stereotypes, whether she means to or not. I wasn't talking about attire so much as behavior, but attire can sometimes prompt others to make assumptions about our behavior. Like I said, I don't think I've ever seen Hillary Clinton in a pants suit.
My
social psych professor has done loads of research on
ambivalent sexism. Basicly, it suggests that subjectively positive attitudes towards women aren't benign, but promote inequality.
I could explain this better, but I'd need charts and an easle.
JAM, I consider myself both strong and feminine. However, I've been around plenty of men who assume, just because I'm pretty, that I have nothing in my head. It's important to realize that our feminine behavior in one area can cause others to make assumptions about our competency, and our non-feminine behavior in one area can cause others to make assumptions about our warmth. It's tricky, because I like to dress like a girl and I let men open doors for me on occasion, but I am aware of the fact that these behaviors might be enforcing other stereotypes. I think that this poem,
Not A Pretty Girl, tidily sums up how I feel on the issue. I want to be
more than a pretty girl.
Back on-topic: People should dress nicely and professionally for interviews. You should wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable so that you can present yourself the best. And please, less is more when it comes to showing skin.
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