Reply #22: some men are only able to handle the stereotypes... [View All]

[laura888]

... the madonna vs. hore, etc.

I've often wondered about this - its as if they are unable to see any grey areas or see women as being just as complex as they are(perhaps they view women as another species?). To me, this is just laziness on men's part.

Anyway, back to the main point: I think the oppressive beauty thing (we women complain about) is the product of the media and cosmetics companies and the like. There's no conspiracy. The media and many manufacturers profit from images of beauty. But these images just keep feeding the stereotypes I described above, so are a bit damaging to women who want to be understood and valued in every area, not just their looks.

A good book on this: The Beauty Myth, by Naomi Wolf.