Those who know me know that I have a love-hate relationship with Jezebel, the women’s interest site on celebrity gossip that often puts a feminist twist on issues (though usually one-sided, which is why I have “issues”).  On Sunday night, a post called “Please, Don’t Tell Me that I Look Better Without Make-up” went live.  This is truly a feminist issue, especially with anti-princess campaigns getting stronger and stronger.

Author Cynthia Cheng Mintz’s make-up drawer

After reading the post, I responded with this statement:

I interpret the “you look better without make-up” statement as “I don’t buy into media/stereotypical expectations of women and you shouldn’t either. And if you do, you’re dumb.” And to these people, I say “screw you!” I can do whatever I want and spend my money at Sephora if I want to!

What I really don’t understand is why some anti-princess/so-called “feminist” and body image groups are going around telling people what to do.  Isn’t this the opposite of feminism?  It’s fine that they have their own views, but for the most part, their articles have a “do as I say” philosophy.  Why?  They are not our mothers and we are not five year old kids.  In fact, I often find their posts patronizing, as if people who don’t agree with them are stupid.  Yes, one can choose to ignore people like this, but they are so in your face these days that it is very difficult to do so!

Make-up station set up at World MasterCard Fashion Week in October 2013

Of course, they are going to deny that they’re trying to convert people.  It’s a gut reaction, especially in this part of the world.  However, they need to be careful because they often come as being very harsh and critical.  Paternal, even.  And as I said earlier, we aren’t children, nor are we stupid, so they shouldn’t be lecturing us like we are.  We are adults who can think for ourselves.  They should know that we can agree to disagree.