The Things We Quietly Attach to Femininity

Recently, I have been seeing different things about this feminism thing online. And if I can recall, I saw a post on X some time ago where a user posted that once a woman starts to speak boldly or out loud or goes as far as wearing simple outfits, she stops exhibiting that “feminine” look. I don't know if that person meant it because I thought about that statement for a while.

When I was still little, some people always, always categorize feminism as only performance, where a woman is always careful with the way she speaks, the way she laughs, and even the type of outfit she must wear. Even with the way she sits publicly, or some certain manners. I have seen how some certain women carry themselves in a way they do have to because our society now rewards women who are able to fit in comfortably with expectations.

And over the years, I have also met women who do not fit into those pictures in any way, yet, these women still carried a kind of strength and warmth that is deeply rooted in feminism to me. I once met a particular woman who always speaks directly, and doesn't really pay attention to fashion. But she does a lot of things, like remembering people's important days, cares about everyone around her, and is always happy to help and give solutions in her best way. That really changed my perspective.

And with all these things I have seen, I have come to a conclusion that feminism goes beyond appearance. Most times, it is also about how patient a woman can be. How soft she can be. And sometimes, I say it's the resilience she hides inside of her that nobody praises.

And I won't lie because a lot of people misunderstand what feminism truly is, because they confuse femininity with obedience. But in the true sense of it, feminism goes beyond the performance that is being displayed today.

Thank you for reading.

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