The Willful Misinterpretation of "Girl Math" and Society’s Urge to Diminish Women’s Joy
We’ve seen trends come and go. Some are fun, light-hearted, and humorous. Others delve into deeper societal critiques. Often unintentionally.
One such recent trend that took the internet by storm was “girl math.” Initially started as a joke – one that many women found relatable – it quickly became a battleground for gender, stereotypes, and, sadly, societal biases. (Personally, I found trying to explain “girl math” to my mother to be an absolutely delightful experience.)
At its core, “girl math” it was a way for many women to poke fun at themselves for certain shared societal behavior. Whether it was laughingly admitting to spending more to get free shipping or balancing time while juggling multiple roles, these jokes became a shared experience, an internal chuckle for “those who got it.”
Yet, as with many things on the internet, the concept escaped its light-hearted bubble and ventured into harsher territories. Critics, without understanding or perhaps choosing not to understand its context, began attributing deeper, often inaccurate meanings to it. A quick joke about seeking free shipping morphed into accusations of financial illiteracy. And on and on and on.
Sadly, this wasn’t a first. The internet has a storied history of taking a woman’s joy and attempting to transform it into something negative. Remember the widespread ridicule of Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The drink based on a simple blend of common European Sweet Spices? It’s almost as if women can’t have something uniquely theirs without it being dissected, derided, or overanalyzed.
Brands, Boy Math, and Beyond
Soon, brands, always eager to jump onto the latest trend, began integrating “girl math” into their campaigns. Yet, with every new endorsement, the core essence of the joke was diluted further. The term became a mere buzzword, often void of its initial context or charm.
As a counter-narrative, the concept of “boy math” emerged, sparking a slew of jokes ranging from humorous to rather pointed. The commentary on age differences in relationships and perceived inaccuracies in height measurements were just a few that circulated widely. This shift showed how quickly a light-hearted joke can be turned into a broader commentary on societal norms and expectations.
Mary Louise Adams, an expert in sociology, aptly captured the heart of this trend’ misinterpretation in an interview I caught. She comments on how the world is still profoundly gendered, a sentiment most would agree with. And while many believed we would’ve moved past these stereotypes by now, they still linger, albeit sometimes under layers of humor and internet memes.
Yet, humor, in its purest form, can be a tool for reclamation. When women joke about “girl math,” they might be exploring identity against stereotypes, turning them on their head, and forging a shared identity in the process. Through this lens, these jokes are not a regurgitation of age-old biases but rather, a subversion.
It's essential to remember the roots of such trends and understand that at the core of every internet meme or joke lies a basic human emotion – the desire for joy, relatability, and community. As consumers of content, it is up to us to discern context, intent, and underlying emotions. It's all too easy to misinterpret, especially when it involves something as volatile as gender norms. Yet, as individuals, if we strive for understanding and empathy, we can create an online environment where humor thrives without unnecessary criticisms.
“The girls that get it, get it.”
So, let them. It’s the least we can do.
