Bimbo Feminism: Counterintuitive or Brilliant?
Written by Diksha Chavan | Edited by Adaria Crutcher
The stereotypical feminist is generally described as anything but a bimbo, but what might this phrase mean for modern-day feminism?
The term bimbo is a derogatory term often used to describe a hyper-feminine and “airhead” woman (1). Its historical connotation has often been used as a means to cut women down and emphasize the idea that hyperfemininity equates to a lack of intelligence. This association has led many women, specifically young women, to believe that being pretty and smart can not co-exist (2).
Research by the Caribbean Review of Gender Studies explores how the “beauty versus brains binary” is created and enforced through the media and what the impact of this has been on some young women. While many girls want to have it all when it comes to beauty and brains, there is an almost automatic assumption that beauty leads to a form of powerlessness. Having beauty leads to some force of control being exerted on women because they are expected — or even made — to be weak and dependent (2).
Recent cultural movements have begun to redefine being a bimbo, including the feminist movement.
On TikTok, there has been a creation called “BimboTok” that emphasizes the power in not having to prove intelligence with beauty. It challenges the beauty versus brain binary by simply not forcing women in order to prove that the two can coexist (1).
Barbie has almost been considered the framework of the bimbo or hyper feminine stereotype. Her blonde hair, pink clothing, and stereotypical beauty made her fit into the mold one would generally expect of a “bimbo.”
However, the recent ‘Barbie’ movie has taken the first steps to reclaim what it means to be a bimbo and a woman.
In the utopic Barbie Land depicted in the film, there are many different Barbies who work at all levels and positions of power. These Barbies are absolutely gorgeous, but they still win Nobel Peace Prizes and are presidents. The beauty of these women does not take away from their brains.
When Barbie leaves Barbie Land in search of her child, Sasha calls her a “bimbo” upon first glance (3). This comes as no surprise, as Barbie is often criticized for her unrealistic representation of the average woman. However, as the film continues, the concept of an all-inclusive feminist movement is embraced, where women can be hyper feminine (or not) and still be of value.
So often women are undervalued, whether that be for caring too little or too much about appearances, but the reality is that the feminist movement includes everyone. Bimbo feminism allows women to redefine what being a feminist and what being a woman might be to them.
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