Feminists don’t have to despise models in undies
How did 50 years of feminism end in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, asks Sarah Vine. She thinks it’s more regressive for feminism than the Miss world contest (Mail). But her opening sentence: ‘Equality is . . . no excuse not to brush your hair’ — trivialises feminism. I opened a piece I wrote on feminism for my school magazine in a not dissimilar way. Vine’s derogatory attitude towards the ‘stereotypical’ feminist — ‘It is perfectly possible to make it in a man’s world without looking like one’ — contrasts with her criticisms of the Victoria’s Secret models who, according to her, are perfectly groomed solely for the pleasure of men. I’ve always thought of the Victoria’s Secret show as a fashion event. Granted, it’s one thing to have the attention of fashion experts and interested teens and another entirely for a gross old man to leer at the models when it’s broadcast on American TV. But the whole idea of feminism is about not having to change our behaviour to suit male reaction. Vine says the models are perceived by the world, especially by men, as ‘female flesh’. But when I look at them I see successful and empowered models with personalities. The idea of models being ‘female flesh’ is repulsive. The suggestion that the Victoria’s Secret show makes Miss world look ‘almost sweet in its innocence’ is mistaken. Miss world is a contest, with the intention of pitting women against each other, breeding animosity between them and breaking down feminism by damaging the unspoken ‘sisterhood’. No doubt the modelling industry is just as cut-throat, but the Victoria’s Secret show itself is fun and the models aren’t competing for a title. we’re told that society has coerced women into believing that expression of their sexuality is empowering when, in fact, it’s just another tool used by the patriarchy to keep women in their ‘role’. But this idea, along with many others concerning feminism and gender roles, is a stereotype. I don’t want to over-think it because I believe that what we find empowering is down to each individual. I don’t want to stop making myself look nice because I’m worried that it’s just the effects of society ‘brainwashing’ me. why belittle the fashion industry and the women who work in it as dumb, vain and undeserving of any recognition? Criticism of ‘stereotypical feminists’ and women who work hard on their appearance limits the choices women have — and feminism is all about choice. we should be allowed to live our lives how we want, without any other voice telling us we’re being ‘too masculine’ or dressing/acting ‘to please men’. Sometimes I don’t shave my legs for a while. Sometimes I diet. Both these things are my choice and I shouldn’t be seen as a crazy radical or a vain bimbo for either because it’s no one else’s business. what I really want to know is how 50 years of feminism has ended in women still being criticised by society for their personal choices, no matter what those may be.