I’m triggered by a post going around social media right now comparing the popularity between two women. Why must women compete?!
One being Kendall Jenner, albeit originally famous because of her family (The Kardashians) she has gone on to gain a following in her own right through modelling.
The other woman in this post is Alyssa Carson, a 19-year-old astronaut who has already achieved great success in her aerospace career, the article citing that she has become the youngest person in history to overcome all NASA’s aerospace tests.
The message of this post is best summed up by this quote pulled from the caption.
“I’m the first person to appreciate the female form but if we are to place this asthenic above incredibly talented, dedicated and skilled individuals like Alyssa Carson I feel it would not only be ignorant but extremely detrimental to the evaluation and progress of the human race.” – Ecranmagazine on Instagram.
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Why must women compete in order to prove their worth?
Now, why is it that in order to do right by Alyssa, we have to take shots at Kendall? What gives this writer the authority to suggest she is not also talented, dedicated and skilled?
I have never been a model. I have never taken an aerospace test. My understanding is to be successful in either field, you will need to show dedication and have some natural talent.
What I find most difficult is that this article is perpetuating the same narrative that we struggle with as stepmoms. We need to compete. In this circumstance it’s competing for popularity. In Stepfamilies, it’s competing for the role of the mother.
I don’t disagree that Kendall’s photo will get more shares. Is it because we don’t appreciate other women’s accomplishments? Is it a testament to our vanity? Maybe. My guess would be that it’s because she is very famous and has been in the public eye for the large majority of her life.
Is it productive to compare these two?
I don’t know either woman, but these are my thoughts.
Alyssa has likely spent many hours studying. She may enjoy reading. Perhaps spending time with her family and friends. Without the media documenting her every move, it’s difficult to know for sure.
Kendall has grown up on television. Her life has been laid out on our screens since she was a child. Paparazzi has been following her since before she was in middle school. I don’t know what that’s like, but I wouldn’t assume it’s all been easy.
My issue is, why must women compete?! Why do we need to take one down to lift the other?
I would even beg the question, does Alyssa want the same recognition Kendall receives? Does she want to study aerospace, or become famous? Does she enjoy the freedom of going out to celebrate her success without worrying about looking perfect? Hiring security detail?
I’m ranting now, but I don’t see the benefit of pitting these women against each other. I don’t see where one is taking from the other.
Comparing a celebrity model to a space physiologist doesn’t feel productive.
Let’s realize that women are so diverse, capable of success in any field.
Teach our girls that they have an opportunity to dedicate their life to their passion. That they will not need to apologize for owning whatever that is.
Supporting women is not bashing one, to lift the other.
We need to be celebrating the uniqueness girls offer the world, in whichever role they’ve chosen to take on.