Friday, April 30, 2010

Femininity: A Personal Intepretation

Childhood
My mother was a earthy, natural, butch-like woman. She dislikes fuzzy things. Everything had to be simple and crisp clear. When I was still a kid, my daily-life rarely consisted of any girly things. I begged for long hair, just like the dolls typical girl played with, forever. I envied my classmates from the all girls' catholic school, with their shiny straight hair braided, twisted, and decorated with blue ribbons that matched the school uniforms. My mother told me she did not want to braid my hair, and short hair made everyone's life easier. My sole way of displaying femininity, well girliness at that time, was stripped for convenience. You see I was never a happy kid.

Teenager
Finally I could manage my own belongings. I clad myself with silky long hair with curls that were perfectly styled, natural monochrome make-up, rimless business looking glasses, professional A-line skirts, and black pointy flats. Would people take me as an attractive yet mature young lady? I didn't want to be the sexy, but good enough for those developing young male adults to pay attention to me. Actually, I wouldn't care. They were so immature anyway, only daydreaming and fantasizing about other girls' lacy bras and thong underwear. Yet, I did not get why no one had ever noticed me. A shy, quite intelligent, artsy girl.

Late-teens and beyond
Over with the males. Questioning and conflicting with the morals, girls are apparently attractive too. Hmm, especially boyish butchy ones. They are much softer and more understanding than bio-boys. Also why not go against the majority's view on female attractiveness, and start binding the bosoms? They are really only functional during sexual play anyway.

* * *

I wonder if my life experiences had an effect on my current interpretation of femininity, leaving an impress on my obscure view.

I hate girly females, those ones dancing in the greens with mary jane pumps, flowy skirts and flying scarfs. I would never pity those who twisted their ankle or leg or whatever with their high heels. I think the women who tried to show off their curves are slutty. Yes, I said slutty. I don't care if you are doing this for yourself, or wanting to be objectified by others. I dislike those soft, weak girls that get freaked out and cry easily because of some small thing. Really? The whole act just looks stupid and so pretending to me. If you cry in front of males, maybe they will try their best to help, comfort, or protect you. Me? Go f*ck off. I don't give a damn.

On the other hand, I'm just as stupid as those girls I mentioned above. I am craving to find femininity that works with my own body and mind, and I know I still have a lot to figure out. I strongly discourage the act of being dependent, which is a popular and conventional method of showcasing feminine quality. But am I crossing the line where I'm really just complaining my discomfort because I'm lost? I felt like I have to resculpt the idea of being feminine while not totally trashing my past believes and experiences.

So, what is femininity?

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Story | Ctrl, Alt, Shift

Is eating vegetarian a way to have control over my diet?
Is binging my chest a way to gain power to control my body?

I can't control anything that's external, but at least I can make decisions regarding me and myself.
What else am I doing to try to grab control over myself?

I don't want to hurt my body, nor my emotions. Most importantly my heart.

.
.
.

I just want to walk out of the chaos.


2010/04/15

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

How to Survive under a Patriarchal Society

I actually got the following from a feminist article on Fridae.com (click here for the original article in Chinese). I've roughly translated the Chinese text into English - please excuse me if anything sounds a bit off, which I think it is weird in certain parts.


《如何在男人當家的組織中站穩腳跟》


1、別用男人的標準量自己,要從容不迫,保持個性。
2、胸有成竹再行動,沒信心時也要顯得鎮定。
3、別讓自己疲於奔命、費力不討好,要有尊嚴。
4、遠離蜚短流長,深入認識真相。
5、不要總當跟班,自己要有主意,重要問題別妥協。
6、不要害怕爭論,要據理力爭、以理服人。
7、遇到小人須冷靜,要不卑不亢,委曲求全只能讓對方得寸進尺。
8、不要甘當二等公民或者保姆雜役。
9、不要參與男人的遊戲,更要當心變成男人遊戲中的棋子兒。


How to Survive under a Patriarchal Society

1. Never compare yourself with men. Maintain your own distinctiveness and uniqueness.
2. Only act when you have full confidence to win. Even when you are not so certain at times, remain calm.
3. Don't wear yourself out. Keep your dignity.
4. Drift away from rumours. Go dig for the real truth.
5. Don't just simply follow orders. Have your own opinions. Never compromise on important issues.
6. Don't be afraid of arguments. Use facts to persuade others.
7. Remain calm while defeating sneaky people. Ask them for pity will only let their force grow bigger.
8. Don't volunteer to a second class citizen.
9. Don't get involve with the games of men. Don't be their chess piece.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Story | Black Daffodil

Years had gone by. Time flied.
That song ringed my the ups and downs in the last year of high school.
Hate and love faded.
Memory remained.

Am I still the same person as I was five years ago?
How have I changed, transformed?
What kinds of advice would I tell my 5 year ago self?


2010/04/15

Monday, April 26, 2010

Quote + Art of the Day

Quote from Craig Thompson's Blankets. (No, I haven't read the the book. I just found the quote from somewhere.)