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A Woman's Dilemma: Is Makeup False Advertising?

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A Woman's Dilemma: Is Makeup False Advertising?

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Over the past few years, makeup has taken a whole new position in society.  What was once frowned upon by some religious groups is now embraced and even celebrated.

One negative issue that has surfaced is its "false advertising."  I have had male coworkers say "Why do you wear makeup - you are not ugly and anyone who wears makeup everyday has self esteem issues.  I have fallen into days where I have felt down in the dumps and may add a little blush or lipstick to boost my mood but do I think i am ugly??  Certainly not!!
The majority of women and even some men wear it as an extended expression of who they are and to feel pampered and creative.
Makeup wearers may look a lot different with makeup on, however as a woman, my personality doesn't change after my mascara application.

The male dominated society places so much emphasis on beauty, even objectifying "attractive" women, then bashing the use of makeup on the same end. However if men really liked us for who we are instead of superficial reasons, then the false advertisement complaint would be subject to debate.
Judging a person's full face of makeup is the same as judging someone without makeup.  It has become a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't.  Makeup should be a woman's preference to wear or not to wear and be free from judgment for her choice.

Makeup is not a mask.  Makeup is Art.  Makeup is Passion.  Makeup is Expression.
Unknown

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/a-womans-dilemma:-is-makeup-false-advertising/6964784
FRIDAY 14 AUGUST 2015 9:17AM

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Singing Sandra's calypso " Die with my dignity" gives a clear insight of the changing gender relations with specific emphasis on sexual harassment, domestic violence and disrespect to women in society.
I have always loved this song growing up and even sang this song with my school choir at a Music Festival Competition.  It was only as I got older, I took particular interest in the lyrics.
The lyrics bears tactics for dealing with the issue of hegemonic female subordination.  it promotes the liberation of women in society.  it is almost as if its a protest is being thrown against the injustices of women.  The lyrics bears graphic scenarios for e.g. "They want you to cock up like a bloody acrobat, the wife at home they can't ask she to do that!"
This was a scenario depicting how women are exploited and harassed by their male employers.

I don't see it as a song dominating or overthrowing men as one of my male friends suggested, when I asked his opinions about the song.  Rather it seeks to challenge and mitigate the male oppression of men by opposing to the disrespect women are given at the workplace, in our homes, in the streets and by society at large.  I see is as a message of self respect and empowerment.

Published on Mar 13, 2012
https://youtu.be/J_PgUvEzNGA

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The introduction of this course was not merely a history course, but one that supplied a critical analysis  of all the information that we were "given" as our history.

This portfolio is a reflection of my opinion of Gender issues in the Caribbean.  I chose to develop on the topic in light of all that is taking place with women in today's society.  Despite the advancement of women in today's society, it is met with a stark contrast of the emotional and physical distress that women have to endure.

In the Caribbean and also focusing on our country, Trinidad and Tobago, it is disheartening to see the fate that befell some women at the hands of men. Misogyny still exist even though woman are succeeding at equally competitive levels as men.

This topic hits home for various reasons. I have seen many females close to me being abused and one even lost her life at the hands of a man by domestic violence.  I have experienced harassment and jeers from men on the streets and even at the work place.

I am not a feminist by any means, but I am an advocate for the empowerment of women to have our place in society without discrimination.

I enjoyed this course very much as well as the added bonus of not having a final exam.  The online lectures however proved to be a challenge as it clashed with another course I had to do.  This made it difficult to partake in asking questions and engaging in discussions as the lecture were being done.  The tutorial sessions somewhat made up for this thankfully.  I intend on doing further studies to gain information of the rich heritage of our people in the Caribbean.

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https://youtu.be/5VjudbvbdEI

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The ideological limitations of gender in the Caribbean are not cohesive with the diminishing material limitations.

Even though much has been done to promote the empowerment of women in Caribbean societies, women are only allowed to take on responsibility as long as these do not create a corresponding shift in gendered relations to power.

There needs to be a greater global discourse to shed the light on the tension with respect to gender that has penetrated societies in the Caribbean.

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Violence against women in the Caribbean is rampant and women are finally SPEAKING!! #lifeinleggings

The # life in leggings is a feminist movement that is growing tremendously in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.  Its aim is to is to speak out against gender violence and inequality in the region, that seemingly has become the norm in society. the hashtag is depicted by a fashion trend, leggings" by pointing out that a woman's apparel is not an excuse for harassment or discrimination.

Ronelle King who is a co founder of the movement made a profound and simple statement:
"YOU DESERVE RESPECT REGARDLESS"
This emanated as she shared her experiences of a man forcing her to get in his car and nothing was done by the authorities when she reported it..
Since then women throughout the region are sharing their stories, organizing marches and promoting women empowerment.

Published 10 March 2017
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Life-in-Leggings-Movement-Fights-Street-Harassment-in-Caribbean-20170310-0011.html

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Tracing gender issues in the Caribbean

After emancipation took place in the Caribbean, these countries adopted a patriarchal dominated society.  It was accepted that women were subordinate to men, even so in earlier history. Religious bodies maintained the position  of a virtuous woman's place in society and at the home and solidified it with the bible.

This perspective trickled down into modern society and became the norm.
Women were viewed as second class citizens and this view was shaped by the European and American Enlightenment discourses of liberalism.  It was deemed that women were unable to be equal or greater than men.

Change has taken place in society as there is a decrease in traditionally make dominated sector of agriculture and manufacturing.  this discourse also permitted cultures to gain cognitive liberation as it relates to gender inequality.  Despite this movement, the men have not readily accepted the change to gender relations and these negotiations are met with great resistance.  The foundation of the ideology of the subordinate role for women still exists and it is often embodied in state policies as well as Cultural expressions.

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Violence against women in the Caribbean is rampant and has been met with the issue of victim blaming.  it is led to believe that women are partially or entirely responsible for the harm that befell them.  The phrase "Boys will be boys, so girls must take care."  In essence, the message is we as women can avoid unwanted male attention if we be careful. If we dress better and carry about ourselves as ladies we will be alright. I am a huge advocate for modesty, however blaming the victim for the wrong done to them, releases the man from any responsibility of wrong doing.

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In recent times, a disturbing trend is the increase of domestic violence towards women. This has been evident in Trinidad and other neighboring Caribbean countries over the past decade. Never have we seen such heinous violence against women at the hands of men.  According to the UN women in Caribbean, 1 in every 3 women in the Caribbean will experience domestic violence.

It was assumed that the women who were abused, usually came from rural areas and poor backgrounds.  However what is to be said , when educated and well respected professional women fall victim to such a tragedy.  The deaths of Marcia Henville, Shannon Banfield and Nyasha Joseph rocked the nation immensely not because they were better than any "less educated" victim, but rather it showed that no one was immune to suffering such a fate.

Aside from domestic violence being a stigma, thus preventing a lot of affluent women from speaking out, violence is not just about harm, but a mechanism to suppress another person's voice.  As a woman advances in society, some men use this mechanism as a method of keeping her "in check."
There should be a measure of respect given in mutual reciprocity between a man and a woman and instead of competing for power, respect the various functions and roles supplied by each party.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/featured-news/Domestic-violence-and--the-professional-woman-290612951.h