Just because I’m a girl doesn’t mean I have to like the color pink or that I have to have long hair. Gender stereotypes are so tired, and we shouldn’t have to do things or like things just because we have boobs.

Here are 9 stereotypical “girly” things that you don’t have to do just because you’re a girl.

Skip this Ad

Next

ADVERTISEMENT

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Are compliments bad for women?

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

ACK!

Guys, I’m getting a little sick of these stereotypical products made just for men or women. I mean, we’ve got brogurt because regular Greek yogurt is too feminine for men, we have energy drinks just for girls because, you know, they’re pink and we even have pink tools because ladies only like things that are pretty, right? Oh, and who can forget about the infamous Bic For Her pen?

Well, add another ridiculous product aimed at women onto the list, because ladies, we’ve got ourselves our very own tablet for women. I know, the iPad and Kindle are just not pink enough and you were just thinking you needed this, right? Obviously.

The tablet is called the ePad Femme and was created by the Middle East-based Eurostar Group. They describe is as the “world’s first tablet made exclusively for women.” As you can probably guess, they’re already being slammed for the stereotypes and sexism that go hand-in-hand with this tablet.

Why? Well, let’s consider what it looks like, for one thing. When you buy the ePad Femme, the background is pink. Because, I mean, duh – all women like pink! Come on, guys. Can’t any of you be a little original? Why is that every single product made “just for women!” has to be pink? I don’t understand. There is nothing wrong with loving pink, but some of us do like other colors.

The ePad Femme also comes already loaded with apps that are absolute must-haves for women. These apps are about cooking, yoga, making grocery shopping lists, fitness, clothing and perfume. What else do you need in life, AMIRITE girls?! It’s a good thing it comes pre-loaded with these apps, because otherwise you might just have an empty tablet that you don’t know what to do with. To add insult to injury, Eurostar associate Mani Nair told the Jerusalem Post that the tablet comes with apps already loaded because it “makes a perfect gadget for a woman who might find difficulties in terms of downloading these applications and it is a quick reference.” Because downloading apps is hard, girls. Too hard for us to figure out on our own.

The fact that this was created and is now being sold is crazy to me. A lot of you may tell me to lighten up, but the thing is, stuff like this only furthers unfair stereotypes about women. Yes, there are women out there who love to cook, go to the food store, try on clothes and do yoga – I’m one of them, in fact. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with liking that stuff. But there are also plenty of women out there who aren’t into that stuff and that’s totally fine too. The point is, not all women are the same and we shouldn’t be grouped together as if we all think the same and want the same things – and products like these that make it seem like we do are just sexist.

Now the only question is – are the women who buy this going to know how to turn it on? Or will the tablet help us with that too?

Would you ever buy this tablet? Do you think it’s ridiculous or totally fine? Would you be happy if someone bought this for you? Tell me in the comments.

15 sad products for sad girls

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter

It’s dumb to pit a blondes brunettes contest–your hair color has no impact on your future! | Source: ShutterStock

For whatever reason, pretty much since the dawn of time, people have pit a blondes-brunettes war. Blondes were said to have more fun but be dumb, brunettes were smarter but uptight, and redheads and raven-haired girls apparently just stare on the sidelines being fiery and exotic, respectively.

Is it dumb? Yes. And now there’s a legit study on the blondes brunettes battle, which is is also dumb, because, well, why are we wasting research funding on this? But in any case, they found that blondes do, in fact, have more fun–to the point of their careers suffering for it. As for brunettes? We’re said to be a bit more baller than our fair-haired, fun loving counterparts, because we do better at our jobs and are perceived as leaders.

Again? Dumb. Seriously, look at Hillary Clinton for proof.

A study done by a “facial mapping expert” (dude, seriously?) to determine which facial features are the most likely to succeed at work says that women with straight, dark hair–think Kardashian-esque brunettes–are most likely to do well in their careers. (So all you curly-haired brunettes, if you buy into this crap, go get a flat iron.)

Here’s why this is so stupid, aside from the fact that it’s just reinforcing really dopey stereotypes: What happens if you dye your hair? Or go bald? Or get a fierce purple weave? I’m a natural brunette, but I wore a blonde wig on Halloween once. I didn’t get fired after that, and I had as much fun as I usually do when there’s lots of free candy around. (That sounded creepier than it should have. I promise, there were no vans around.) Rihanna and Katy Perry have been mega successful with every imaginable hair color on the planet, from blacks, blondes and brunettes to blues, pinks and neon reds.

The only thing that determines how much fun you have is your attitude. The things that determine your success are your smarts, your drive and, if we’re being perfectly honest here, often your connections. Maybe brunettes just know more people in high places.

Seriously though, a study on the blondes brunettes comparison is really pointless. It’s so dumb that only a stereotypical blonde could have come up with it.

Do you think there’s a difference in personalities between blondes and brunettes? Why do you think the media often tries to pit a blondes brunettes war? Tell us in the comments!

To heck with the blondes brunettes war–is your own natural hair color trying to kill you?!

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

What’s so scary? Sucky stereotypes about us! | Source: Shutterstock

The truth is that we obviously still need feminism. Women are still paid roughly 23 percent less than men are for doing the same work; women are still blamed for their own sexual assaults because they “asked for it” in one way or another; and women and girls are still simply not recognized for how absolutely awesome we are. It’s one thing to sit and complain about these things, and an entirely different–way more awesome thing–to actually take action, which is what actress Geena Davis (yup, the star of Beetlejuice!) is doing now through her Geena Davis Institute On Gender In Media.

She’s conducted a bunch of studies on women and girls in media and is working toward bringing more amazingly strong female characters to our TV sets and movie screens. Don’t think we need it? Here are some scary stats from her most recent study:

* For every one female character on a children’s show, there are 2.25 male characters.

* Over 73 percent of family films have a male narrator.

* Nearly one out of three female characters in family films are dressed in “sexy” outfits, whereas less than one in ten guys are dressed like that.

* For every one female speaking character in a prime-time comedy, there are more than two speaking male characters.

There you have it. Women and girls make up over half the population, yet in the media we’re outnumbered by men and boys two to one. And when we do appear, we’re often either silent or sexy–if not both. I’ve actually noticed this and have stopped watching shows where I don’t think there are enough (or real enough) female characters. For instance, my boyfriend and I started watching Breaking Bad a while ago–it’s a super addictive show–more violent than most stuff I like, but it’s interesting so I kept watching for a while . . . until I realized that there were only two women on the whole show, that both were minor roles, and that neither one was likable. What the hell? I pointed that out to my boyfriend, and now he doesn’t watch either.

The thing is, the more strong, powerful, smart women we see on TV and in movies, the more people will come to expect strong, powerful, smart women in real life. We’re not an anomaly, we’re the norm–and it’s time that the media world (and the real world) woke up to that fact!

Ladies, keep your eyes open to what you’re watching, and keep up on this project. It’s cool, and I think it could make a really big difference.

What do you think? Have you noticed a gender bias in the shows you watch? How many TV shows do you watch that have more male characters than female? Think about it and then tell me in the comments!

25 Awesome Reasons To Be A Proud Feminist

Follow Us On Twitter!

Was Gwen’s outfit totally offensive?

Did you girls happen to get a glimpse of No Doubt’s new video for “Looking Hot”? Well, if not, there’s no point in searching for it now. The band has pulled the video off the Internet after it was online for only one day. Why? Um, because it was totally offensive… and I’m surprised it even went up, let alone got made, in the first place.

The video (which is off of YouTube and Vevo – but if you want you can try watching it here) features a cowboys and Indians theme which is all sorts of offensive. Gwen Stefani is portrayed as a Native American woman, wearing what looks like a bad Pochahontas Halloween costume. Even worse, she’s tied up in a way that many critics feel sexualizes Native American women. Throughout the rest of the video, Gwen is shown riding a horse through what looks like the Wild West and hanging out in a teepee.

Meanwhile, the rest of the band is depicted as either other Native Americans or as cowboys… all of the costumes look like what Native Americans and cowboys might look like in the movies, about 50 years ago. It left a lot of viewers seriously pissed off. The majority of the comments for the video were about how offensive and racist it was… and I can’t say I blame anyone for being annoyed.

After they almost immediately took the video down, No Doubt released an apology on their website, saying:

As a multi-racial band our foundation is built upon both diversity and consideration for other cultures. Our intention with our new video was never to offend, hurt or trivialize Native American people, their culture or their history.   Although we consulted with Native American friends and Native American studies experts at the University of California, we realize now that we have offended people.  This is of great concern to us and we are removing the video immediately.  The music that inspired us when we started the band, and the community of friends, family, and fans that surrounds us was built upon respect, unity and inclusiveness.  We sincerely apologize to the Native American community and anyone else offended by this video.  Being hurtful to anyone is simply not who we are.
- No Doubt

Honestly, I’m totally confused as to why this video was made in the first place. We’ve brought up this kind of issue before (about Halloween costumes), and it’s just hard to understand why anyone, especially a huge band like No Doubt, would think it’s okay to portray any race or group of people in such a stereotypical way. While I’m glad that No Doubt at least removed the video and took responsibility for their bad decision, I can’t help but wonder why they ever thought it would be a good idea.

What do you think about this video? Do you agree that it was offensive? Are you happy No Doubt took it down? Were you personally offended by this? Tell us in the comments.  

 I Think I Know What My Race Is Better Than You Do

You should follow Gurl on Twitter

If your dog did this, we'd think you looked rather brilliant. | Source: Shutterstock

As if you weren’t already freaking out over being judged by your shoes, now we learned that people are also judging you by your dog. Say what?!

A new study says that your dog of choice tells strangers a lot about you, though their assumptions are probably a lot less accurate than the ones they make on your Chucks. Guys apparently make judgments on you based on your dog, and they have a few prejudices that seem to be against smaller breeds.

For example, if your dog is a chihuahua or a poodle, guys assume you’re fussy, high maintenance, and not too bright. However, guys also assume girls with chihuahuas and poodles are “probably hot.” (We agree with the last part.) Unfortunately, if your dog is one of those two, guys might put you in a “fling” or “one-night stand” category. Not cool, gentlemen!

How can your dog make you more likely to be seen as girlfriend material? Golden and Labrador retrievers and beagles help! Retrievers are known for their loyalty, and guys apparently like the size and temperament of beagles–but get antsy if your dog uses its tracking sense. We guess it makes him worry he’ll be caught being up to no good!

However, it turns out we’re just as guilty for judging guys on their pets as they are about judging you by your dog. What dogs are we drawn to most? Women reported being into guys with German shepherds because they “know how to take care of business”–whatever that means (picking up your dog’s number two, maybe?). We also assume guys that have Labrador retrievers would make great dads, Siberian husky owners are “manly men,” and that guys with French bulldogs are probably attention-hungry but good for one-night stands. Ruff!

If your dog is dressed like this, then fine, maybe we'd buy this study. | Source: Shutterstock

One bummer? The study didn’t say what your dog says about you if your dog is a mutt. We think if your dog is a rescue, you’re a hero–and your dog totally knows that. Doesn’t your dog’s gratitude matter about at trillion times more than some judgmental dude’s opinion? Yup. Thought so.

Personally, we think if your dog is happy, healthy, and loves you, regardless of the breed, it says you’re a pretty awesome person. The most attractive thing you can do is to be the person your dog thinks–no, knows–you are!

What breed is your dog? Do you think your dog tells people about your personality? How did you choose your dog? Tell us in the comments!

Now . . . Who’s Hotter? Celebs In Bikinis Or PETS In Bikinis?!

Other stuff you’ll love:

10 reasons big boobs are awesome… and 10 reasons they’re not awesome [The Frisky]

The 7 most annoying types of Facebook friends [HuffPost High]

Watch Beyonce, Jay Z and Blue Ivy get spoofed on Saturday Night Live [Hollywire]

11 really dumb reasons guys turn girls down [College Candy]

These series could be the next Harry Potter/Twilight movies/books [Teen]

A birthday tribute to Severus Snape [Crushable]

How to avoid the same mistakes in a new relationship [Your Tango]

22 awesome cartoon cupcakes [Smosh]

Hysterical captions on an Ed Westwick picture [Gossip Girl]

Jamie Lynn and cutie Maddie | Source: Palm Place

Remember Britney’s cute but controversy-riddled little sister, Jamie Lynn Spears? She was on All That and then had her own show, Zoey 101, until she got pregnant in 2007 when she was just 16–and then she pretty much disappeared from the face of the planet.

Well, Jamie Lynn is back. She’s 21 now; is the mom to a super cute little girl named Maddie; and is working on a new album in Nashville, Tennessee. In an interview in Glamour magazine, she talks about the pressures put on girls to be good role models and says that she was afraid of what people would think if she (as a Disney star!) asked to be put on birth control.

Did you love Zoey 101 as much as we did? | Source: jamie-spears.com

When she got pregnant, lots of parent groups freaked out and said she was “glamorizing” teen pregnancy–but in reality, she was just a scared 16-year-old girl, like a ton of girls in America who get pregnant every year. Being in the spotlight made it extra hard to deal, which is part of why she disappeared for all this time.

A while back, Gaby Rodriguez, a girl who went to high school in Washington state, pretended to be pregnant for a class project–and recently, Lifetime made a movie about her called “The Pregnancy Project.” Only her mom, her boyfriend, her best friend, her principal, and a few other key people knew that she was pretending to be pregnant to learn about stereotypes and perceptions.

What she learned, she told me, was that “when people think you’ve made a mistake, the way they see you completely changes–they look down on you, they think of course you failed, of course you screwed up.” When her classmates found out she’d been faking her pregnancy, many were angry, but they also saw just how unfairly they’d treated her when they thought she was expecting a baby.

Jamie Lynn's celebrating her 21st birthday! | Source: Glamour

I hope people learn the same lesson from Jamie Lynn Spears–girls who get pregnant generally know that they’ve made a mistake! I mean, they’re the ones who either have to go through with the pregnancy or make the difficult decision to have an abortion. It’s not up to us as a society to vilify them or make them feel like they’re unwanted.

What we should do instead, is recognize that although some girls do make the choice to stay virgins until they’re older, nearly half of all unmarried teens in America admit to having sex (and that doesn’t include the many girls and guys who are probably too shy to say they’re doing it!). Shame, finger pointing, and nasty tabloid headlines aren’t going to fix the problem of teen pregnancy–but good sex education, easy and shame-free access to birth control, and a whole lot of support and open discussion can make a major difference.

I love that Jamie Lynn is talking about her experience, and wish her all the best. Don’t you?

What do you think about Jamie Lynn’s recent interview? Do you think she deserves a fresh start? Tell us in the comments!

Did You Know You Can Get Sick From Lipstick?! Read This Now!

jamie lynn spears

|Why are gURLs supposed to like pink? Talk about this stereotype and more on the Shout Out Boards!|

1. How do you define girly?
2. Do you wear makeup? Can you go a day without it?
3. Would you ever join the army?
4. What is your favorite hairstyle to wear out?
5. Do you kinda like drama or do you wish it didn’t exist?
6. Which female celebrity would you most want to trade places with?
7. How do you feel about the color pink?
8. What is your favorite part of your body?
9. How long does it take you to get ready to go out?
10. What is your favorite perfume scent?
11. What parts of your body to you shave?
12. Have you ever dyed your hair?
13. Should the guy pay on the first date?
14. What kind of shoes do you wear most often? (Uggs, sandals, sneakers, heels, etc.)
15. What’s your favorite thing about being a gURL? Least favorite?
16. How often do you get manicures/pedicures? Do you think it’s worth the money?
17. What stereotypes about being a gURL do you absolutely hate?
18. Do you ever feel insecure about how you might smell down there?
19. How do you feel about shopping: are you totally into it, or do you not understand what all the fuss is about?
20. Did you play with Barbie dolls (or any kind of doll) when you were younger?

Want to take more surveys? Click here!

more ways to get gURLy:

• Pearls of wisdom, survey q’s, polls, quotes to live by — it’s all on gURL.com’s Twitter. Follow us!
• Luv gURL? Then ‘Like’ us, too! Let’s be friends on Facebook and you’ll get first looks at stories!
• Can’t get enough of gURL.com? We don’t blame you. Sign up for our weekly newsletter!
• Let’s talk. Shout Out advice, music, politics, poetry, your style and MORE!
• Your hook on hooking up: gURL’s sex, health & relationships blog.
• Need some advice, quick? Ask Heather anything; she answers three q’s, daily!
• Bored? Take new quizzes and play gURL games!