Hello friends,
I posted the above photo to my instagram a few days ago, and it sparked up a conversation with a stranger that really started a fire in my belly. In the top right shot of me with my arms up, you can clearly see I haven't shaven my underarms in quite a while. It's not something I did conscientiously, but honestly came out of laziness and lack of effort to deal with it. The more I thought about it, the more I started to question why I even cared about shaving in the first place. Bryan doesn't say anything, and the times that I have asked him, he's said he doesn't mind it. Truth be told I haven't shaved my legs in quite a while either. He still touches me, and has yet to exile me into the streets. Woah.
And, then this below photo is the conversation from the comments on this photo. I was so excited when this girl started talking to me about the subject, and initially I was hoping she'd continue and have a full on, intelligent conversation with me about female body hair. I was wrong. As you read through the comments, you'll notice how quickly it fades and she shy's away from talking about it at all. I'm glad that she didn't get hostile with me, or yell at me for my beliefs or the fact that I was so quick to defend them. But, I wish she would have given reason as to why she disagreed with me.
I've gone through period of my life, mostly after a break up, where I say 'fuck it, I'm not shaving any more!' And then I'd get a boyfriend, and I'd want to be 'pretty', and I'd give in and shave. Back and forth, back and forth. Over the years, I've become one of those stereotypical hippie feminist pieces of crap that everyone hates...for some reason. Being natural, allowing my hair to grown and dread naturally, and making choices that feel natural to me have become the way I guide my life. I'm doing my best to muddle through my 20's in a way that will make me proud when I'm 70. To live with my passions, and beliefs in mind, and doing my best to not let others influence that.
Though, the more I started digging into this, talking to my friends, and looking around on the internet I found that the majority of females (and males, for that matter) are still super uncomfortable talking about it. I want to change that. Recently, I read a great post by a lady named, Roxie Hunt about her journey with feminine hair growth. I really enjoyed her take on the matter, and how allowing her hair to grow it forced her to take note of the decisions she was making for herself. Where they her own or where they based on the choices, wishes , and influence of others.
"I started to take the time to make more conscious choices. I tried not to make choices based on habit or common opinion or What I Think My Mother Would Do or what would Madonna Would Have Done In Her Like a Prayer Days. And it took mental monkey wrangling."
The more I dug through all the photos on the intertubes, I started realizing how beautiful women still are with their natural, birth given hair! Look at all these ladies. The preconceived notions that female body hair is ugly has started to fall. Women are taking back their right to decide what they find beautiful, and that's an amazing thing! Now, just to be absolutely clear...just because I am in favor of this movement, does not mean that the women that choose to shave, wear makeup, or heels are bad feminists. Feminism is about equality, and the right to choose how to live without being told how to by someone else. I believe in all women (and men!), and I believe that everyone should be able to create themselves without pressure or influence. Everyone, and I really do mean everyone, is beautiful!
So, my friends, I want to extend this conversation out to you. How do you feel about this subject? Are you in favor of this movement, do you think it's gross, or do you not even care? I want to hear about it, what ever your opinion...all opinions are right, and fine by me. I just want to keep the conversation going. Let's open up a dialog where everyone is comfortable to talk about this, and is pleasant with each other. Don't be shy, my friends. This is a safe place to talk. No judgement zone, and always a warm, open heart! Share your thoughts down below in the comments. I read every single one, and do my very best to respond. Thank you for reading this, and taking the time to be a little more open. I hope to hear from all of you!!!
xo. holly erinn
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