Images communicate. I noticed something today, yet again, about images of females in our culture and what they communicate.
First, I watched Kate and Leopold on TV. I’ve seen it before. It’s a nice story about a clash of cultures and romance, with lots of fantasy and a nod to Breakfast at Tiffany’s thrown in. What got my attention this time was in the last scene. Hugh Jackman is about to choose his wife, and all the young women he doesn’t love are plain at best. Then in walks the lovely, winsome Meg Ryan, whom he does love, and after gazing into each other’s eyes, he chooses her and off they dance.
Second, I just read a piece featured on Newsweek’s website (dated June 16, 2008) about ”Nerd Girls.” It’s about smart engineering students who happen to be female. Great topic, but lo and behold, all the girls featured in the accompanying video are also model-worthy. The text and voiceover even mention how hot they are.
I don’t have anything against gorgeous girls. It’s just that I know good and well that lots of delightful, smart girls of wonderful character wouldn’t quite measure up. They are thinner, or chunkier, or their hair doesn’t behave quite so well, or their skin isn’t quite flawless. Whatever. Campuses are full of them. Workplaces are full of them.
Yes, I was one of those girls. Maybe that’s why I care so much. But I don’t think that’s all it is. What bothers me is a side effect of our celebrity addiction. Men or women, we are tempted to compare ourselves and everyone else to perfection that isn’t even real perfection. What we see is only achieved with trainers and makeup artists and high-priced hair stylists and stylists and photo touchups — and if all else fails, hey, just reshoot till you get it right. Most normal people don’t have that kind of time or money to invest in their physical appearance, and don’t even want to.
Here’s my request: Let the lead guy, who may or may not be a hunk, fall in love with someone shy of gorgeous, just once. And include some less leggy geniuses in the next feature on bright girls, please.
