Venus deconstructed

“HOURGLASS figure is not just a fashion trend but an important step in the evolution.”

When I read that, it made me laugh. I mean, I’ve been hearing for years that women with wide hips are naturally suited for childbirth. In fashion, it’s also a plus. Yet, we see women on the runways who are straight as poles — devoid of curves.

Industry insiders are saying clothes drape better on skinny models. The mannequins these days contradict this notion. They seem to be more curvaceous. Gone are the days of androgynous mannequins, reflecting, perhaps, a shift in societal ideals. God forbid, no sick person would steal these dolls for their perverted fantasies.

Nevertheless, women should not be solely defined by that. We are more than vessels for reproduction. We also have intellect. We play significant roles in evolution, and because we also have brains, we play pivotal roles in revolution or changing the world.

Wait, before I proceed, let me get this straight. I’m a happy mother of one. Seeing my son grow up as a responsible young man makes me feel fulfilled as a mother. Now that’s settled.

Going back to women as revolutionaries, I can think of a few trailblazing women of the past and present. Names like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai, Gabriela Silang, Maya Angelou, Florence Nightingale, and Toni Morrison come to mind.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, more commonly known as The Notorious RBG, was instrumental in reshaping the justice system. She fought for gender equality and civil rights. I saved her 2017 Stanford Lecture, by the way.

Malala Yousafzai was a brave young girl when she defied norms on the right to education. I was in awe of her courage, which inspired me to buy her book.

Toni Morrison is an American novelist and Nobel Prize winner in literature. Her stories reflect finding one’s identity in an unjust society. I have her book entitled “Love.”

Revolution doesn’t only mean taking up arms. Women have changed the world in various forms. Some use the power of the pen, prayer, advocacy, artistic expression, scientific advancements, and environmental interventions, to name a few.

As women, embrace your intelligence fearlessly. Turn away from this notion that only damsels in distress get to keep their man. Some women are stuck with this stereotype. If you need to do this to keep your man, I suggest recalibrating your perspective. The damsel in distress is from a bygone era. We are now designers of our destinies.

Let us be at the forefront of raising independent and resilient women who defy such limiting beliefs. Let’s teach the young to be the voice that challenges injustice. We are game-changers.