What’s wrong with a little pink?

Words by Elijah Christiane Fajardo

I was an edgy kid. I didn’t like dresses. I hate makeup. I only listen to rock and punk music. No, I don’t like One Direction! 

I lied. 

Women were praised when they were, as society would say, “different.” Without us noticing, there is an itch to live up to that standard. 

At a young age, people frequently pointed out how unique it was that I listened to My Chemical Romance instead of other pop stars at the time. I fed off compliments on how much of a simple person I appeared, that I didn’t need to be dolled up in a dress all the time–that I was different. 

While I did adore the music I listened to and the clothes I wore, what became tiring was hiding other interests that would make me fit right into the female stereotype. I’m afraid if I exhibit femininity, I will be looked down upon.

In high school, my best friend sat me down and forced me to watch Legally Blonde with her. I saw how Elle was unapologetically feminine, no matter how many people laughed at her for it. For hours after the movie I sat in deep thought. What’s wrong with being feminine? What’s wrong with being a girl? What’s wrong with a little pink?

Internalized misogyny is when women subconsciously project sexist ideas onto other women and even onto themselves.

Going through that for years made me deprived of everything I stopped myself from enjoying. 

I was not an edgy kid. I love dresses and big pink bows, I love how I look wearing heels, I love makeup (especially my lipgloss), I love Taylor Swift and One Direction, and I love being who I am. I love being a girl.