By: Jordan Smith
Updated: June 20, 2023
Originally Published: June 12, 2023
Pink has been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. Not the muted shades, but vibrant, bold pinks—think hot pink or the classic Barbie hue. When it comes to fashion, I gravitate toward dresses with flared skirts, floral patterns, and cute ballet flats. The more girly, the better. In my leisure time (and for various special occasions), I often bake delicious treats in my kitchen using my bright pink mixing bowls—whether it’s chocolate chip cookies or funfetti cupcakes with homemade frosting.
Stereotypically, I fit the mold of a “girly girl.” But don’t let that fool you. I am not someone to be trifled with. If the situation calls for it, I can absolutely hold my own, so don’t underestimate me just because I’m decked out in pink and offering you a sprinkle cupcake.
I find it perplexing how often society underestimates women and girls based on their color preferences or hobbies. Enjoying pink doesn’t diminish my strength or capability. As a child, I adored dolls, but I also had a passion for race cars and Legos. My favorite toys included a cap gun, and I never categorized my dolls as “girl toys.” They were simply what brought me joy. My Barbies didn’t fit the traditional roles of teachers or mothers; they were rockstars and presidents, commanding their worlds in stylish dresses and pink high heels.
My upbringing taught me that femininity doesn’t equate to weakness, instilling in me the belief that women can achieve anything. During college, I lived alone in a studio apartment, and with few friends, I tackled everything solo. My tool kit was entirely pink—complete with a pink-handled hammer and screwdrivers. I took pride in assembling my furniture alone, even after lugging heavy boxes up four flights of stairs. Once I set up my bed frame and moved a full-size mattress on my own, I collapsed onto the unmade bed, sweaty but empowered. I didn’t need anyone’s help—I could rely on myself.
For a long time, I hesitated to embrace my feminine side. There was a notion that femininity was a betrayal of feminist ideals, but one day I decided to embrace my love for all things pink and girly. I’ve seen a meme that circulates frequently, especially during election seasons, stating, “Teach your daughters to worry less about fitting into glass slippers and more about shattering glass ceilings.” While I appreciate the sentiment, the underlying message—that we must reject feminine traits to succeed—troubles me.
Having grown up with Disney princesses as my heroes, I still cherish those tales. It frustrates me that society suggests that enjoying fairy tales is somehow wrong. Believing in these stories doesn’t hinder my ambition to be a strong, independent woman. I can don my glass slippers while also aiming to break through glass ceilings.
This isn’t a choice between two opposing ideas. We must stop conveying to young girls (and boys) that those who enjoy traditionally feminine pursuits are any less capable than those who do not. It’s simply not true. We are just as strong and competent as any woman who prefers less feminine interests.
My strength extends beyond the physical realm. Since becoming a mother, I have tapped into a deeper reservoir of strength. Raising a child mostly on my own has shown me my capabilities. I made the difficult choice to leave a long-term relationship because I recognized my worth. I’m determined to set an example for the girls in my life, showing them they deserve the best—especially after becoming a mother. I’ve taken control of my career, utilizing my skills to support both myself and my child, all while proudly embracing my femininity.
Though I don’t have a daughter to impart these lessons to, I have a son. I want him to grow up understanding that women are multifaceted and should never be confined to stereotypes. I teach him daily that pink isn’t just a “girl color,” but a hue for everyone to enjoy. One day on the playground, a girl questioned why he was drinking from a pink water bottle. With a smile, I responded, “Pink is not just for girls. It’s for everyone!”
So, if you need me, I’ll be over here, wearing my glass slippers while I shatter those glass ceilings.
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Summary:
In a world that often stereotypes women based on their interests and aesthetics, this article highlights the strength and capability of embracing femininity while being empowered. The author shares personal experiences of navigating life as a “girly girl,” demonstrating that loving traditionally feminine things does not equate to weakness. Through anecdotes of independence, motherhood, and the importance of breaking stereotypes, the message is clear: women can wear their glass slippers while also shattering glass ceilings.