Recently, I discovered that what I'd assumed was a common sense -- was not completely common. Maybe, it is more common than not, or maybe not. I can't know. To be utterly apprised, I'd have to interview every human being. It's possible, I guess. I'd then have to provide copies of every interview and my qualifications too. Often, one's word needs support. It's understandable. Then, reliability of data would be scrutinized, since it would seem too thorough an investigation.
The sense, I mistakenly, thought was common? In this case: What constitutes a "strong women."
For the sake of this peculiar post, let us consider that Open Salon is some microcosm.
mi·cro·cosm
krəˌkɒznoun
1.
2.
anythingthatisregardedasaworldinminiature.
3.
humanbeings,humanity,society,orthelike,viewedasanepitomeorminiatureoftheworldoruniverse.
Microcosm is an enticing word. Very conceptual. Add the idea that we are represented through avatars, we invisibly log in at anytime or place -- with screen names or real names -- and the degree of accuracy as to Universality is further compromised. Also, the visible participants don't appear to fully encompass a wide variety of socioeconomic, racial, political spectrums etc.
So, it would be a big stretch to assert with confidence, that what is to be found here reflects, much less summarizes, the Universal condition.
Whatever the case, any conclusions arrived at can best be described as supposition. If one wants to argue that presumption or assumption or wild guesses or nonsense -- are more accurate adjectives, they will be disappointed.
As an intermittent blogger (with beefs stuck in my craw), I do not profess to be either a statistician or an empiricist. For heaven's sake, I don't even profess to be an essayist. Let us give up on Heaven, and say, "Hell, I don't profess to even be a blogger." For the sake of Heaven, again, and for to make my self awareness implicit, let me introduce myself, for the moment, as an irreverent rambler,who like to share. Such a designation frees me from the pretenses, and makes me less tense. Thank you for your understanding, in advance. Nevertheless, this is not about ME! No, no, no.
Oh, yes, where was I? Strong women? Not something I've discussed before-- more something I've just seen or heard, being used as a description. Upon hearing this descriptor, particulars came to mind. Until now, I have not articulated it, since I thought it was not in any dispute.
Before I continue, let us consider, that there is no such label as, "strong man." This leads me to conclude that prefacing, "woman," with "strong," signifies that it does not go without saying that a woman is strong, but it does go without saying that a man is. It indicates that strong women might be the exception. We all know weak men, so who knows what that's about . If I am forced to ponder this now, it will both derail and hijack this soup of a post, before the main course is served.
Up until a few days ago, I was satisfied that the term "strong woman," spoken aloud, or on screen, conjured up similar imagery in the listener. Imagery is silent, so let's get celebrities to serve as examples, as well as to noise it up a little. Let's stick to the silver screen exclusively, so as not to add needless complications.
None are coming to my mind, for the post post modern world, except Hellen Mirren. I'm sure there are more, but I'm not going to scour my mind for long, for a stupid blog post.
Then, I see Judie Dench but she doesn't fit for me for esoteric reasons. Then, an image of Shannon Doherty. It feels slightly strange that Brenda from Beverly Hills 90210, has entered the portals of my consciousness on May 16th 2013? As the old kids say: Whackadoodle.
I won't burden you much more with the Brenda on my brain. But, if you are have not already departed, I will tell you why it is not so strange. You see, a recent further descent into endless disappointment Dust Up, taught me that bitchy women, spreading bad vibes, can be seen as "strong women." Ms. Doherty showed up as a representation.
Let us briefly address the definition I have, and which I thought was shared by all:
Strong woman: Not wimpy, daring, outspoken but thoughtful, does not back down when right, self esteem without arrogance, not jealous , supportive of her fellow man (which includes all women), much more goddess than geisha but not interested in being either, unselfish but with strong sense of self, compassionate, opinionated but not petty and gossipy in her assessments.
What else? Comments are wide open.
Now, bad vibe Brenda, has escaped my headspace, to be replaced by Mae West and Katherine Hepburn, and Audrey Hepburn too. Then, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis show up. The first two strike me as strong. Audrey as strong, but with a caveat: Looks delicate, but strong alas. Then, Dianna Rigg, for some reason, pops in for a millisecond.
Hmmm.
The last two, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, presented a strong surface:brash, strong willed, take no prisoners, and ambitious. Yet, their reputations for meanness, and their habit of being unreasonable and deliberately cruel, make me think of them as scary lost souls-- not strong women.
What is your definition of a strong woman? Examples?