What It Means to Be Feminine

Based on a conversation I had last week about this 2017 Nike commercial I've been thinking quite a bit about feminine vs. masculine. While these words could be neutral descriptors like black vs. white or hot vs. cold, society hasn't treated them as equal.

Somewhere along the way, feminine became associated with weaker or less than.

Let's look at the commercial. I believe it was well-intentioned and meant to send a positive message.

But I take issue with the fact that the subtext seems to be she's not just an opera singer (feminine/ less than) she's also a soccer player (masculine/better).

Why can't the little girl be just as celebrated and respected for singing as she is for playing soccer? To me the girls ripping off their nice clothes and showing their athletic gear was just another way of saying girls can meet the masculine standard. Instead of showing the feminine activities as equally valuable.

Have you asked yourself what you value?

I notice my clients attaching importance to masculine standards even when it's not what they actually value for themselves. Things like income and productivity. When what they actually want is ease and to feel as though their life and work has purpose.

I'd like to see...

Feminine intuition valued as much as masculine logic

A glittery dress respected as much as a three piece suit

The astrological transits given as much weight as the weather forecast

Where in your life are you using masculine standards when they don't reflect your actual values?