What does it mean to be a woman?
In the promo for her new documentary series, Caitlyn (formerly Bruce) Jenner sits in front of a mirror applying lip gloss, and comments on how she has begun to learn the “pressure” women are constantly under when it comes to their appearance.
Since her introduction to the world on the cover Vanity Fair, Caitlyn Jenner has become simultaneously a symbol of strength and an example of the sexist standards all women face. Actually, the sexist societal standards people of all genders face.
In the months leading up to Caitlyn’s coming out, then Bruce Jenner was attacked by the tabloid media for his growingly effeminate features — long hair, nails, and of course, his breasts — all contradicting our culture’s standard of masculinity, especially the manhood of the one-time World’s Strongest Man.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that Caitlyn Jenner made the choice to debut herself in decidedly feminine and sexualized clothing, knowing quite well that by catering to typical standards of beauty, she would likely garner the most positive reaction.
Indeed, almost every news source has commented upon her “sex appeal”, noting how great she looked sprawled across the pages of Vanity Fair. While this may be true, and this kind of reaction seems harmless enough — even positive, it propagates a harmful idea about what it truly means to be a woman in our society. Focusing so heavily on physical appearance severely undermines all women, trans and cis. With its attention on Caitlyn’s “great boobs” and other aspects of her physical appearance, the media is suggesting that what ultimately matters is how well she adheres to “the rules”…even while boldly breaking them. It reaffirms that in order to have value, in order to matter and be accepted, women have to look a certain way– that the package is always more important than the story behind it. As others have pointed out, when Caitlyn still identified as Bruce, the focus could be placed on athletic and business talents. The second Caitlyn emerged, however, all of that was quickly pushed to the back burner. What mattered most was how good her legs looked in a dress.
It’s important to remember that this seemingly supportive response sends a message to others who undergo or have undergone a similar transformation that they need to meet these same standards. Needless to say, many transgendered people (many women, actually!) may not have access to the same make-up artists, costume designers, and entire crews that were there to ensure that Jenner looked Vanity Fair ready. It’s damaging to perpetuate the idea that if we don’t look a certain way, our identities are somehow less legitimate. And that’s exactly the message the media conveys every time they decide to focus on women’s looks, rather than the far more important aspects of our journeys.
There is no denying that Caitlyn’s actions have been a strong push forward for others, and have led to increased open discussion about gender and acceptance. But the general media reaction towards her has also raised important questions; namely, if she had transitioned and had perhaps not been perceived as being so conventionally attractive and “womanly,” would her actions have been met with as positive a response?
Wouldn’t it be an even bigger leap forward if we could stop obsessing over how traditionally feminine Jenner looks? And instead allow Caitlyn Jenner’s story to be about the human being she is and the woman she wants to be? Let’s not let a golden opportunity slip out of our fingers– let’s move beyond the norm that women, no matter how strong and brave, should simply serve the male gaze and “look pretty.”
