Internalised Misogyny – Is it really a thing?

How many of the times have you caught yourself saying one of the following.

“I can’t believe she’s wearing that”

“Why is she putting on so much makeup “

“Oh she’s not that pretty ”

“She’s so overrated “

This is internalized misogyny. Katherene Quiteno says, it is the involuntary and often unknowing acceptance of sexist ideas by women, the very people the patriarchy was built to oppress . She also gives an example that , when a woman justifies herself to someone by saying she’s “not like other girls” or that she’s “one of the guys,” that is internalized misogyny because she is upholding the idea that women are all the same and that it’s somehow undesirable to be one.

Linked to that is the idea of internalized sexism which can be defined as the tendency of some women to regularly put down, make disparaging remarks about, and/or sabotage their own or other women’s and girls’ identity, potential, and success.

Examples of phrases that most women say that demonstrate internalized sexism.

“Boys don’t like it if you’re too smart “ - this phrase is basically stating that women shouldn’t be too smart because men don’t like it . I shouldn’t have to act dumb to make a boy feel smart! 

‘I Would Rather Hang Out with Boys Than Girls – Girls Are So Much Drama!’ - This phrase reflects a negative idea that women are overdramatic and men are logical and calm.

‘Real women have..’ Real women identify as women. That’s it. That’s all. Beyond that, women are very different in their appearances, preferences, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior – and none of those things can cancel out their identity as women.

Something you hate about another girl may be something you are insecure about otherwise you wouldn’t notice it. JEALOUSY. Everytime you are jealous or insecure it is a reflection of how you are viewing your own life. You need to remember that they’re natural emotions triggered by a personal insecurity that a larger system has taught you to have.

Uplift women! Stop hating because you are jealous and insecure. Celebrate them. Care and raise people up and maybe they will care and raise you up. If every women made an effort to uplift each other instead of tearing each other down and judging each other that creates a culture of change and people. We need to help, work together, support, and empower each otherbecause it makes things much easier and better for ourselves. We as women need to compliment other women on their hair, outfit or makeup. Sometimes just a small compliment can mean a lot to someone.