Not shockingly, I’ve been extremely excited to read the novel, Enlightened Sexism by Susan J. Douglas, as it is currently runner-up on my reading list. However, I was really surprised to find that Douglas discusses the new notion that what makes a woman so powerful is not only her job position, but also how beautiful, sexy and thin she looks. A huge problem with our generation is that while we frequently see women in powerful career positions, we come to believe that what makes them so powerful is not the career which the woman holds itself but rather, how attractive or manipulative the female character is in that role.
In my study of Women and Philosophy, I wrote my final paper on this issue because I thought that not only is it so prevalent and alluring to young women, but also at the same time so inherently counter-feminist and counterproductive of equal treatment. I labeled it, “the look of power,” because popular movies and advertisements send the message that power is achievable for women, but it requires exhausting efforts to constantly be beautiful and awe the eyes of spectating coworkers. “The look of power” reinforces the demands that a patriarchal culture places on women for the appeasement of men. This notion/phenomena is worse than a typical double standard placed on women, because it’s being promoted as a necessary quality of a truly powerful woman.
I think that equality in the workforce will not result from women who can function as smart and articulate Barbie dolls. Isn’t it odd though, as that precise image instantly comes to mind when I envision a young, powerful working woman?
I think the image of women as thin and beautiful being equated with power is not unique to the female gender. Studies have shown that job candidates that are thin, good looking, young, etc, are rated higher in interview situations than their counterparts who are equal in qualifications but are older, not as conventionally attractive, heavier, etc.
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