
Apparently, this lil’ Arya quote has ignited some controversy.
In regards to this controversy:
A great big chunk of this tumblr is dedicated to strong women with strong opinions, many of whom are talented writers and musicians, and many of whom I admire greatly.
I am a lady, and I have great respect for ze ladiez. I love my girlfriend, who are snarky, insightful, well-read, well-dressed, sharp, big-hearted and always funny.
I’m very much about the advancement of women, and I care very much about women being recognized as multi-faceted and good at all kinds of cool stuff.
I talk all the time about young girls who feel they need to look a certain way, be tanned a certain way, act a certain way, etc. to be seen as “appealing” or “attractive” and how this depresses the bejesus outta me.
I must confess that when I’ve seen young adult women, in my own age group, seeming to willingly objectify themselves (F1 in Montreal= women as decorations for cars) , I have grown frustrated. I’ve known girls who see Sex & The City as an inspirational guide on how to live your life, and it does upsets me.
Admittedly, feminism is all about letting all women do whatever feels right to them. If a girl digs Sex & The City, she should be allowed to freely. I judge because I am imperfect, but there’s no right or wrong way to be a woman. Of course not.
I’m a big GOT fan, and I actually watched a great vid on Youtube where a lady examined the characters of Cersei and Sansa, and tried to dissect why they were often seen as “weak” or “stereotypical”. She gave examples of when Sansa—in a way less noticeable than Arya, perhaps—acted bravely and admirably. A girl can still like pretty dresses, and be a badass. (I like pretty dresses)
I suppose I found this quote relatable only because when I was Arya’s age I felt the same , and I went through high school feeling somewhat of a disconnect between me and other teen girls I’d see who would, like, wear bikinis and not feel as if they were too revealing. They felt cool and fun and “flirty” while I was feeling like a nerdy owl and a sexless dweeb. I used to be really preoccupied with the question of, ” If I let myself look “sexy”, or dress in way that puts emphasis on my body, will anyone still be paying attention to my personality or thoughts? If I celebrate my beauty, or accept compliments from men about my looks, does that make me vain and insubstantial?”
I still have somewhat of a dilemma concerning all this, some inner-turmoil.
Ultimately, I don’t think Arya is necessarily more of a “feminist” than her sister
I just choose to be honest about a recent past in which I felt a frustration, a disappointment and an alienation with and from my fellow girls.
SEXUALITY ISSUES!
BODY IMAGE ISSUES!
FEMINIST ISSUES!
SHITTY BORING ANGST!
THIS. There is more than one kind of strength. And one is not necessarily better than another.