Who is The Essex girl?
She is an “unintelligent, promiscuous and materialistic girl.”
She is a “young woman who is not intelligent, dressed badly, talks in a loud and ugly way and is very willing to have sex.”
She is “a bash, materialistic young woman of a type supposedly found in Essex or surrounding areas in the south-east of England.”
The internet is plastered with derogatory definitions as to who the Essex girl is. It exposes the still very dominant misogynistic societal stereotypes stamped on young impressionable women.
During my time at University, I have been labelled the Essex girl on many occasions. Most commonly on first encounters with new people. I am NOT asked the expected “where are you from?” I am asked, “You’re an Essex girl, aren’t you?”. I was very curious to understand what it meant to be an Essex girl.
I put it down to my blonde hair, blue eyes, big smile and chatty personality. But society puts it down to shallow, inaccurate damaging descriptions.
THE ESSEX GIRL CHECKLIST
- Fake Tan
- False Eyelashes
- Unintelligent
- Materialistic
- Dresses Badly
- Slag, Slut, Bitch
- Chav
- Make-up Caked
- “Oh my God! Shut up”
To discover who the Essex girl supposedly is, was shocking and disturbing. I had been labelled the Essex girl. So, am I perceived as being all these things? I hope not! I am not even from Essex!
IN RECRUITMENT
It dawned on me; I am in the most important part of my life where first impressions matter the most. I am placed under a microscope, picked and pulled apart by recruitment. A stranger decides my fate – To be, or not to be.
Organisations are waving their diversity and inclusive flags erratically to maintain flawless brand image. But to what extent can government policies and the fear of negative brand image banish discrimination? Despite efforts to not judge individuals on characteristics and their socio-economy, stereotypes are very strong and dominant in society. This is an overwhelming problem in recruitment. Recruiters are people who have their own beliefs and stereotypes. Subsequently, candidates will be victims of discrimination.
WHY THE ESSEX GIRL ISN’T ATTRACTIVE IN RECRUITMENT
Research has found that particularly city recruiters are looking for candidates which are “polished”. This is very subjective. However polished is most commonly refined, sophisticated and elegant. These characteristics are all assumed to be linked very closely with upper-class wealthy white boys. Hence why corporate industries are dominated by white males.
This is a major problem for “The Essex Girl” as she is far from “polished” according to their stereotype. Her accent is chatty and friendly. Something which isn’t considered professional. Her outfits of choice are bold and don’t conform to the dull corporate world. Another issue is people (in this instance recruiters) look for themselves in candidates. Therefore, as the Essex Girl is different, she is hard to relate to. Being misunderstood and stereotyped leaves the Essex girl hopeless in the recruitment process. She is different and will suffer because of it.
Is it up to society to tackle stereotypes or is it up to Essex Girls to get in line and conform?
As a young woman, I think you all know my answer. Differences should be celebrated, and we can and should be looking beyond stereotypes.