Have you ever noticed that women are always told that confidence is sexy, but then get sh*t on when they are actually confident in themselves?
Women who are self-loathing are seen as humble and are cherished as a rarity. They are told that they should be more confident in themselves because they have some special quality that other women don’t possess. However, when these women gather the courage to speak up and let their voices be heard, they are suddenly considered bossy, angry, self-centered, loud, demanding, etc. People tell them to take a step off their high horse; they’re “reminded” that they aren’t all that special.
Women and girls who are confident are often perceived as arrogant because of how we are supposed to be socialized. But, arrogance isn’t the same as confidence, despite how often they are confused.
Perhaps, women’s confidence is a precarious and fleeting concept because any confident woman is a threat to the patriarchy and to any man who subscribes to sexist ideals. Women have been socialized in a way that reinforces male domination and male necessity in a woman’s life. Confident women don’t need men; confident women break barriers and destroy stereotypes as well as social norms.
Women are allowed to be confident only within defined parameters. Outside of those boundaries are dangerous for the status quo. There are few phrases more dangerous than “it’s always been this way.” So, it is time that we all realize what we are capable of. I know that this might be easier said than done, but confident women are powerful; confident women change the world. It is time for a revolution.