Tuesday, April 17, 2007

What is a "Real" Woman?

It's my birthday today and being a young 42, I think it's a good time to reflect on what makes a "real" woman. What would make me feel like a "real" woman?
I keep seeing "real" women being defined by size. Being a size 16, 18 or 20 doesn't make me more real. If it did, would a size 2 or 28 woman be less real? What about the women who are even smaller or larger than those sizes? I know that when those terms are used, the intention is to sound more inclusive. I see it once again separating us as women - making a line to determine who rates and who doesn't.
When I think of "real" women, I think of women who are strong, independent, good mothers, good daughters, hard workers. Women who volunteer their time to a cause and donate money to charity. Women who speak out about injustice and continue to stand up even when it's scary. Having said that, let's also remember that a women who doesn't fit into any of those categories is just as real, just as valid, just as worthy as each of us deserves to know we are!
Let's stand together and celebrate our sameness, our uniqueness and our differences - as "REAL" women!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!
Aren't we ALL real??
One thing I can say for sure is that you are as real as they get. Happy Birthday my friend! This crazy ride we are on wouldn't be a bit of fun without you. I am thankful every day for you and what you bring to my life. I also respect and admire all that you bring to our business and our friendship. Words are not enough.
I love you with all my heart and look forward to all that is ahead for us.
And that's about as REAL as it gets for me.
xox your cousin,
Barb

Unknown said...

Happy birthday!

I used to use the term "real woman" to describe a woman's size. But I was young and less experienced.

The last few years, I've met friends who are naturally very thin and others who are naturally heavier.

I don't use that term anymore.

I also want to let you know how much I love your store. Everything I tried on made me feel so gorgeous and amazing. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

hm. hair splitting.

well, i suppose real is buying clothing that fits the person you are right now, not the one you think you will become in a month.

it means honest and genuine. it means no vanity sizing.

it means giving credit where credit is due. it means having respect.

i'm a size 2. i'm a real woman.

re·al1 /ˈriəl, ril/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ree-uhl, reel] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective
1. true; not merely ostensible, nominal, or apparent: the real reason for an act.
2. existing or occurring as fact; actual rather than imaginary, ideal, or fictitious: a story taken from real life.
3. being an actual thing; having objective existence; not imaginary: The events you will see in the film are real and not just made up.
4. being actually such; not merely so-called: a real victory.
5. genuine; not counterfeit, artificial, or imitation; authentic: a real antique; a real diamond; real silk.
6. unfeigned or sincere: real sympathy; a real friend.
7. Informal. absolute; complete; utter: She's a real brain.
8. Philosophy.
a. existent or pertaining to the existent as opposed to the nonexistent.
b. actual as opposed to possible or potential.
c. independent of experience as opposed to phenomenal or apparent.
9. (of money, income, or the like) measured in purchasing power rather than in nominal value: Inflation has driven income down in real terms, though nominal income appears to be higher.
10. Optics. (of an image) formed by the actual convergence of rays, as the image produced in a camera (opposed to virtual).
11. Mathematics.
a. of, pertaining to, or having the value of a real number.
b. using real numbers: real analysis; real vector space.
–adverb
12. Informal. very or extremely: You did a real nice job painting the house.
–noun
13. real number.
14. the real,
a. something that actually exists, as a particular quantity.
b. reality in general.
—Idiom
15. for real, Informal.
a. in reality; actually: You mean she dyed her hair green for real?
b. real; actual: The company's plans to relocate are for real.
c. genuine; sincere: I don't believe his friendly attitude is for real.