This tango color is old news, right? I’ve been thinking more lately on how wonderful it is to be a woman, celebrating all the differentiators that add to our mystique. How lucky we are that something as simple as a new shade of lipstick … like tango… or a text from a girlfriend can completely change our outlook on a day. My cheery thoughts on being a woman were brought to a crashing halt when I read that Sweden is pushing for a genderless state. Growing up as a seemingly hopeless tomboy (my poor mom – I’m her only daughter), I tried to be ‘one of the boys’ throughout my childhood and early adolescence which led me to reject what it meant to be a woman for many years. I shied away from rites of passages celebrated by my peers. Eventually, I started to understand how special being a woman really is and all the opportunity it carries in life. I’m finally comfortable in my skin as an adult woman. To think young girls and boys may be depraved of the experiences that are unique to their identity saddens me. Be “they” instead of “he” and “she”. Forcing everyone into a genderless mold makes places those who “don’t fit” into that mold at risk.
I didn’t intend to be so serious when writing this post. Its origins and intent were light at heart – me sharing the proud fact that I’m continuing my quest for more healthy skincare and makeup products. Sharing my new love of orange-ish – TANGO! – colors. Embracing my girly-girl. And loving more of what makes us unique by expressing ourselves through color, photos and sharing online. Being authentic in all we do is the only way to connect. If you don’t believe me, ask Andy.
Photo snapped Friday morning at a stoplight en route to the day job. Sporting Tarte ‘Spirited’ on my lips & minimal makeup elsewhere. Approved by EWG & WELL ;) Happy to share my other beauty and skincare loves of late upon request. I’d love to know your thoughts, what makes you feel your most creative, authentic and true to your goals.
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Ah! Erin, I love the tango, and agree with you on so many things, but my view of Sweden’s measure is a bit different. This post is the first I’m hearing about their attempt at a genderless state, thus my current perspective is already impoverished, but I can tell you that based on what I know of Sweden (from studies, recent travel there, and a very Swedish boyfriend and his very Swedish family) that the country is extremely sensitive to issues of gender equality.
For example, they have excellent, affordable programs for young children, provisions for maternity leave (I would google this), and a required paternity leave of at least three months that reaffirms the expectation that men, too, have a role in raising their children. This translates to a level of support for families and kids to which the US unfortunately can’t hold a candle. To generalize, Swedes are also aware of unjust disparities in income between men and women, and how much of what we think of when we hear the terms “male” and “female” is a result of social constructs, rather than biology. “Sex” (female or male) is different from “gender” (woman or man), and Sweden’s measure is probably a move to let each individual, regardless of their sex, grow into their own person, choosing lipstick or nail polish or toy cars (for what it’s worth, my favorite toys as a kid were a Tonka truck and a Cool Tools kit) in a more voluntary way, with less of society’s powerful suggestion.
Phew! I can certainly see how one might disagree with some of the points that I’ve made. I am so grateful for diversity of opinion, and for your sharing this story here. I would love to hear more thoughts.
I absolutely love being a female and embracing my femininity! and I LOVE that lipstick colour ;) I too am on a major quest to find nasties-free make up, thanks for introducing me to EWG Erin! xx