The Other Woman

I recently watched a video on MSNBC titled "The Fascinating First Ladies of France." To my surprise, the video compared the appearances of Carla Bruni (the former first lady of France) with those of Valerie Trierweiler (the new first lady of France). It analyzed their career choices only when they involved acting or modeling. There was a link to an article attached to the video that examined and scrutinized the outfits each of the women wore to particular events. It all reminded me of the "who wore it best" section in US Weekly magazine (in which two men are never compared). Women are constantly being played against each other in this "patriarchal culture" Eve Ensler talks about in The Vagina Monologues (53). She recommends that "pussys unite," however, this seems almost impossible when women are encouraged to be averse to "the other woman" (53). 


In our society many women are substantiated by men. Men tend to evaluate them on a superficial level, only taking into consideration physical characteristics. Naomi Wolf says, “The beauty myth sets it up this way: A high rating as an art object is the most valuable tribute a woman can exact from her lover" (171). As objects it is very easy for people to pit women against each other. This is why there tends to be an obscure hatred for "the other woman." I constantly hear young girls saying they wish they had this person's body or hair like that person. It is unfeasible for women to unite if there is this lingering jealousy amongst them. 


In order for women to succeed in this patriarchal culture, it is imperative that women stop being objectified. As soon as women are valued for their character over their appearances, they will no longer be comparable. I do however, think both sexes are responsible for this objectification. Women compare other women because they are insecure. Picking apart someone else tends to be easier than assessing your own flaws. Women also thrive on such competition: the winner is validated and her confidence is reassured. Women need to learn to identify with their personalities rather than relying on their looks. Men also need to stop 
validating themselves based on how good looking the woman they are with is.


http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/16/11727831-oh-la-la-a-look-at-frances-fascinating-first-ladies?lite