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Young women today

I’m a new member of this site because I really want to know if I am being unreasonable. Recently retired from the NHS where I ended up managing a lot of people from diverse backgrounds I feel that I have plenty of life experience and am a pretty tolerant, liberal person.


However I find it very difficult to understand where some young women in their 20s - 30s are coming from. They want to be respected, to be heard and to be empowered and yet often present themselves as image, fashion and makeup obsessed in provocative poses. They hate the so called ‘patriarchy’ but are desperate for a good looking, well dressed, financially secure boyfriend. I have been told that my opinions are inappropriate by my niece who champions women’s rights. I obviously abhor any abuse, inequality and any form of sexism towards women and anyone else for that matter.


I do understand that social media and the media have a huge contribution to this and do know there are a lot of wonderful young women out there. I guess that I feel disappointed that serious, reasonable feminism has been lost or diluted.


Created By on 14/08/2020

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Aethelward
21st Jan 2021 06:21:09 (Last activity: 21st Jan 2021 08:19:10)
0
Thanks for voting!
It's a classic case of baking your cake and eating it, It happens in every social or political revolution. The pendulum swings too far to the other side. Then it swings back. Eventually, some sort of balance comes about. Take the case of disciplining children. It used to be spare the rod and spoil the child. Now we have to discuss everything with them, no matter how complex the ideas are or how old they are. Or even if they are capable of understanding what is being discussed.
So it doesn't surprise me that young women want equality but still enjoy the privilege of wanting high status, financially secure men. I have heard women say the same things about men today that were said about women in the fifties and sixties. There are even youtube videos for men by women telling men on what they should do to keep their women happy. Some of you will remember books written advising women on how to please their husbands. Now it is the other way round. I had a good laugh when I saw the first of those "Keep your Wife happy" videos.
To answer your question. No, you are not being unreasonable.
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor made on 21st Jan 2021 08:19:10
Hi Aethelward,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

ecarg
20th Aug 2020 08:04:34
0
Thanks for voting!
Social media is responsible for a lot but there are other reasons young women may dress and present themselves in a certain way. For some it is akin to a uniform theat has to be put on before facing the world.If it increases their confidence is that a bad thing.I agree the provocative poses and pouting are unnecessary . I feel PC and feminism have become a confused debate.
Dinabob4
14th Aug 2020 13:10:45
1
Thanks for voting!
I would just say that I think the image conscious aspect of some younger women and men is something they may learn to realise as they get older should not be so important in such an obsessed way but perhaps they have to go through that phrase of their life and learn.

Sadly young people have just grown up and are so influenced by peers, their friends and perhaps this need to find a partner and settle down into a happy life of 2.4 children and a nice home and get some security. This is what they perceive from their upbringings perhaps. If you pick it all to pieces, what is is about? is it just wanting to being accepted? It is social conditioning and socialisation and we certainly learn through life. It can go too far and ego can play a part too. This 'keeping up with the Jones.' or wanting to be the best etc.

And as for this provocative posing on social media. I think things have gone too far and as someone more mature it looks ridiculous to me. What is that about. Who are they trying to impress? Sadly the reality is there are many people out there you do not want to impress or gain the attention of.
They may look back and think what was I doing? But some may not and continue with it.
I agree with women's rights of course but I still believe there is no need to be so provocative and to keep your dignity.

It seems maturity and growth are influencing some of these behaviours as well as peer pressure and social media. Of course some young men and women are very wise and mature. I suppose you have to tolerate and accept where they are on their pathway and work with it. The challenges of being a people manager. I have done it before but wouldn't choose that job again myself.

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