Everyone loves to look dapper and beautiful; however, people also need their days to wear sweatpants and hoodies. As men “supposedly” have their days to look sloppy and not be judged, Deborah Tannen claims that “there is no unmarked woman”.
For many years women have been described based on their beauty. What they wear out the house, what makeup they place on their face, and what they do to their hair. It is almost mandatory for women to have to dress themselves up. When they take a day off women are judged for not looking “normal”. Nonetheless, times have changed and views of people are not as sexist as before. Women argue that they cannot go out in sweatpants and hoodies without being judged. Yes, women are criticized when they do not wear makeup or dress up, but it is up to them for wearing makeup everyday and dressing themselves up. It is only right for one to question the difference. The argument they women are the only ones marked is not true to this day.
As I present myself with fashionable clothing and different trends, I am considered marked. I am questioned when I do not dress up. Since it is common for me to do this everyday it is expected for people to ask questions about my different appearance. A young girl in my class wears the same blue hoodie, along with jeans and no makeup. No one questions her appearance and why she does not wear makeup because she has been presenting herself this way everyday. If a woman wanted to dress up everyday with no makeup no one will question her actions, leaving her being unmarked. If I wanted to wear sweatpants everyday, I would also be unmarked.
It is not just for women to be marked or unmarked. It is about the decisions one makes that gives them the specific title.
Farhaan, i really liked you post. i like how you talked about yourself, and what you've seen ( the girl with the blue hoodie) to relate back to the Tannen piece.
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