In an article titled “Ladies, The Smarter You Are, The More Likely You Are To Be Single,” Elite Daily writer Lauren Martin spews stereotypes and polarizes the diverse spectrum of women.
Using studies that are unrepresentative due to small sample sizes, Martin asserts that hey, if you have a functioning brain and a decent grasp on speech, men are intimidated by you, repelled by you and unattracted to you.
This isn’t the first misogynistic, rant-y, I-just-got-dumped-so-now-I-hate-boys article to ever make it to the open publishing forum that is the World Wide Web. Because of the nature of the beast, it won’t be the last. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem. Articles like this perpetuate stereotypes — for women and for men.
Aside from the obvious issues with this piece, which include encouraging women to hide their intelligence in order to be seen as dateable and insinuating that women attend college in order to find a husband, it also lacks the reporting and research needed to support such a bold claim. This article is not only detrimental to those who read it. It’s also bad journalism.
Via: Elite Daily
“It’s a tough world out there… full of awkward first dates, bad sex and limited chances at orgasms. Women now associate the dating landscape with the same risks many face going into the arctic tundra. It’s cold, uncomfortable and it’s more than likely that you’ll die before getting that fire lit.”
Yes, it is a tough world out there, but shit, I wouldn’t go that far. Dating’s not easy. Finding someone you’re physically, emotionally and mentally attracted to is hard; finding someone who reciprocates that attraction is even harder. But is the dating scene really full of awkward first dates, bad sex and limited chances at orgasms? Do all women associate it with the same risks as going into the arctic tundra? How is there anybody left in this so-called dating landscape if there’s no shot at happiness, let alone at making it out alive?
It’s not all rainbows and butterflies, but many people actually enjoy dating, especially if, after the trial-and-error period, they end up finding someone with whom they truly connect.
Via: Pinterest
“The saying should be something closer to ‘ignorant women get the man and intelligent women never feel bliss.’”
Okay, now this is just sad. This girl is actually suggesting that bliss can only be achieved through a romantic relationship.
So per that rationale, your degree in that area you’re passionate about and that you just busted your ass is pointless. Your family? Meaningless. Friendships? Meh.
The happiness you think you feel at work or by helping others, or by being creative, or by practicing your hobbies or exercising or doing anything else unrelated to getting a boyfriend isn’t real.
According to this author, the only way a girl can be truly happy is if she’s in a relationship.
This isn’t 1950. Being fulfilled has little to do with getting wifed up.
Via: Someecards
“Deciding what kind of woman you are is like choosing between a rock and a hard place. If you’re stupid, you’re not taken seriously, but if you’re smart, you’re taken too seriously. Women everywhere are flailing under this double-edged sword. A beautiful, attractive female isn’t desirable for her mind, and those with strong characters are seen as threatening, masculine and undesirable.”
WHERE DOES THIS GIRL FIND THIS STUFF AND WHERE ARE ALL THESE FLAILING WOMEN? “A beautiful, attractive female isn’t desirable for her mind?” Oh, okay, so why did George Clooney, Hollywood’s No. 1 bachelor for decades, choose to settle down with a non-actress, non-celebrity, non-model, human activist lawyer?
Mad props to Amal Clooney for showing women everywhere that we can be smart, beautiful and married. You don’t have to choose between being intelligent and putting effort into your appearance, and for the love of God, ladies, I hope you never do.
“Most people like to be the better one in the relationship. Men have been taught or conditioned to believe they are superior, when a woman shows a competitive edge, he becomes threatened.”
I’m choosing to overlook the fact that the comma after “superior” should be a period seeing as the context of this sentence is far worse than its punctuation. Whoever believes he or she is the “better one” in a relationship should probably not be in a relationship. You’re supposed to build each other up. It’s okay to be competitive, but if you feel threatened by your partner (physically, emotionally or mentally), YOU SHOULD NOT BE DATING THAT PERSON. Not all men were conditioned to believe they are superior, and not all men flee from successful women.
“Women went into college with an intent to come out wives, slowly but steadily snatching up the number of available men for all those women who chose to attack their professional dreams.”
This is a joke, right? We went to college to get wifed up? Last time I checked, MRS was not an actual degree.
College is referred to as higher-level education for a reason. You’re there to be educated. You go through ups and downs, friendships, relationships, great achievements, times that’ll test you, loss, laughter and some of the greatest moments of your life. Relationships are just one part of the craziness that is college, but by no means do they define it. If you feel your boyfriend is keeping you from achieving your academic or professional dreams, you’re dating the wrong guy.
Unfortunately, whatever point the author of the original article was trying to make is discredited by her lack of facts and her pessimistic delivery. Not every guy wants to date a dumb girl, and not every smart girl is single because of her brains.
Ladies, we don’t need to dumb ourselves down in order to find men. What we do need to do is stop reading petty articles that bunch us all into the same pathetic category. Your intelligence is nothing to be ashamed of, and neither is your mascara affinity.
Feature photo courtesy of: Gallery Hip
