[PART TWO of the Masculinity is Power essay- the deconstruction of the Strong, Independent Woman]

The Myth of the Strong Independent Woman

When people lie they often say the absolute polar opposite of whats true- there are no small lies. Take, for instance, the Strong Independent Woman and the idea that to embody masculinity as a female is more difficult and more daring than receding into a feminine role- this is not only incorrect, but it's the polar opposite of the truth.

Embodying masculinity, in world of gender role negativity, is an easy path for a woman to take. Unlike a male with an overt presence of masculinity, a woman who embodies power will not have the authenticity of her masculinity tested because the social narrative is in place that the Strong Independent Woman is fighting against the establishment and succeeding- we should applaud her moxie rather than question her credentials.

The perception of the Strong Independent Woman is that she has had a very difficult and challenging path to get to whatever point she may be at- university student, new employee, career woman, middle management- that the average person will mentally applaud her tenacity so loudly that her achievements and ability will appear more impressive than they objectively are.

Since she is Strong and Independent, she will surely not allow herself to be "pushed around" (the parameters of which are defined by her), and she is sure to understand the laundry list of protocols should someone challenge her- using other women, nice men, HR, the police, and the court system to secure her end. And since taking her oppositions side would be understood as being "part of the larger social problem," she is granted immediate credibility for whatever claim she makes- she has overcome so much already, didn't you know?

You certainly do not want to fuck with a masculine woman, but for none of the reasons that she believes.

K I LL T O P AR T Y