Relationships

A Case For Unlikable Women

In fiction and in the real world, there is always a character that we deem unlikable. These characters tend to be arrogant, selfish, greedy, and downright uncontrollable. Oftentimes, these characters and figures tend to be men whom we have no problem displaying these types of behaviors. However, we tend to take issue with these traits when they are attributed to women. Perhaps it is because society has conditioned us to think of women in one mold and that is as the emotional, well-behaved, and obedient supporter of the man. Nonetheless, there is a case for unlikable women and their value in society.

1.They know what they want.

A woman who is ambitious is often labeled as unlikable because she breaks away from the docile stereotype that is often imposed on her. A woman who knows what she wants is a value because she will never have to be lead. She will lead. Like countless fictional characters, these women become inspirations for others because they are fearless and are willing to go the extra mile to get what they want. Examples of these women include Fiona Goode from American Horror Story:Coven who despite battling ageism she was willing to kill to remain the Supreme of her coven. While we don’t condone murder, she is a great example of how ambition can be viewed as unlikable instead of powerful  as it would be seen on a man.

2.They are intelligent.

Women are often labeled “unlikable” when they are able to outsmart a man. This again has to do with the idea that a woman is not to voice an opinion and is merely a support system for the brilliance of man. When a woman turns out to be more capable than a man our societal conditioning is challenged and we begin to view this woman as troublesome. Some brilliant women who have proven themselves more clever than man and in our feminists hearts have become our heroes include Hermione Granger and Amy Dunne. These two brilliant women have proven that a woman can and is just as intelligent and educated as any man out there and can stand on an equal intellectual playing field.   

3.They are confident.

Women who feel comfortable in their own skin  without the validation of man are often deemed “unlikable” because they again break a “societal code”. Society breeds us to think of women’s confidence often dependent on the opinion of man and our appearance. However, women who are confident in their ability combat these stereotypes which sometimes result in them being labeled as “unlikable” or “uncontrollable”. These women remind us that we should believe in ourselves for we are capable of anything we set our minds to accomplishing. Examples of these confident women include Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez as well as Hillary Clinton.

See Also

4.They take care of themselves.

Most of us grew up with the fairy tale trope of the damsel in distress. This woman was often stuck in a tower or in another peril situation where the only escape was to be rescued by the brave prince. Women have broken away from this tired trope and have taken control of their own destinies, often rescuing themselves. These fierce ladies are more independent and capable of caring for themselves. We see examples of these women in characters like Lisbeth Salander and Sethe from Beloved.

5.They are human.

Oftentimes when we try to champion women, we tend to forget that they are still mortal. We celebrate them for all their positive traits like strength and intelligence, but we forget that they can also be vulnerable and scared. Women are human. They are complex and capable of experiencing a myriad of different emotions. While they can be strong and brave, they can also be cowardly  and weak. One of the best things about being a woman is the complexity of our character. We cannot be boxed in to be one sort of way. We are many things and we should learn to embrace those things.

Who is your favorite “unlikable” lady? Comment below!
Share
Carla Herrera

Recent Posts

10 People You Will Always Run Into At Northeastern University

Northeastern has a very diverse student body, and you’ll find a wide variety of people on campus. From Snell to…

10 hours ago

The 7 Stages Of Searching For A Co-op At Northeastern

Coop at Northeastern is more than just an internship and a break from classes, it’s also a right of passage.…

14 hours ago

11 Fun Things To Do In NYC This Winter

Winter is New York City’s favorite season. All of the hustle and bustle turns into a maze of colorful, pretty…

19 hours ago

A Simple Guide To All The Buildings At SJU

Do you find yourself getting lost on campus at SJU? Don't worry! We've put together the ultimate guide to all…

23 hours ago

10 Live Music Venues Near UNH

All the college students I know are huge fans of live music and concerts, particularly when the band is made…

1 day ago

How To Look Like A Million Bucks Without Breaking The Bank

Lets face it, as a college student your go to outfit is probably a pair of old jeans, your school…

2 days ago