#effortless perfection

[zeldaspells]

[lets-read-about-feminism-blog]

...the ultimate goal of 'effortless perfection.' This was the term that young women at Duke University used to describe 'the expectation that one would be smart, accomplished, fit, beautiful, and popular, and that all this would happen without visible effort.'

Courtney Martin, Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters

This sort and intensity of pressure doesn’t allow for balance. It’s an all-or-nothing mentality. We know that mental health, and physical health, require balance and stability. But if we convince ourselves that “effortless perfection” is what will give us health and happiness, we end up not being able to achieve either, no matter how hard we try. 

Have you felt this pressure? For you, did it feel more external or internal? How do you counter it, if you’ve been able to? 

(anon messages welcome!)

Join our discussion at @lets-read-about-feminism

[orangesky94]

Me to me. I am not keeping to this resolution of drawing everyday very well.

[templeollie]

Tag dump

Eliza, Bea, Bonnie, Ana, Me, The lot of them, Oz, Elliot & Robbie

[chxngminx]

I see no difference...

[therewillcomesoftrain]

One of the most difficult variations that great dancers make look effortless. My daughter loves playing with the arms for this. The are so fluttery and beautiful when done well. Beautiful dancer!

[effortlessperfectionarrativ-blog]

Frat Formals: Female Student, Kenyon College ‘15.

I was at a fraternity formal. I have a friend who a lot of guys are drawn to. She just sort of exudes sexiness...anyway, she started dancing at this formal and a bunch of the guys surrounded her and they were all trying to get closer.  And almost instantly the younger girls joined the circle because they were following the guys. 

[effortlessperfectionarrativ-blog]

I’m Not as Good as Them: Female Student, Kenyon College ‘15.

People never want to hear my opinions during an intellectual discussion, and it doesn't help that I'm not in an a capella group or the head of some cool organization. I can't put together a unique and stylish outfit and sit at the dining hall in the morning eating grapefruit and scrambled eggs while reading the newspaper, I don't eagerly trot down to the gym with a cute Lululemon headband and a smile. I don't have the perfect group of friends to go apple picking and shopping in Columbus with. I'm not thin and I don't have a huge talent and frankly I'd rather drink than sit in the library. I've slept with too many people to be taken seriously, I don't know who to talk to at parties, I'm just not the person who is respected in the classroom. But I'm smart aren't I? Why do they know just the right thing to say even if I was thinking it too, or maybe even something better? It's right when they say it, not me.