WHAT IS A WOMAN?

In 1949, French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir wrote,

"One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman." 

To be interpreted? Society and culture shape womanhood, not biology alone. 

During the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Senator Marsha Blackburn asked Jackson to define the word "woman." Jackson declined, saying she was "not a biologist." Since then, MAGA has found a way to use that question on practically any Democrat during any congressional hearing. Frankly, it usually comes across as a juvenile deflection. 

Yet, when I look at some of the women who live and visit Mar-a-Lago in Florida and the White House Oval Office, they're doing some "crazy shit" to their faces. At first glance, I gasp, then I let out a nervous laugh, and finally I have to wonder what possesses a woman to do that to her face. It's drastic, and once you do it, it's hard to "undo" it. This "trend" is known as the Mar-a-Lago Face**.

It's either one of two things, or both. One of those things is that there is a mental health condition going on, like body dysmorphic disorder. The other is that they're living with a man who criticizes their looks. The woman never feels good enough, and as she looks around at her peers, a new generation of younger, more attractive women will always turn a few heads, and possibly her man's. 

When most of us look in the mirror and see a "flaw," we seek creams and potions to "fix" it. We may even try non-invasive cosmetic procedures like peels, microdermabrasion, crystal face rollers, and even red-light mask therapy. Perhaps at the boldest, maybe a little Botox on the forehead. We remember to wear sunscreen when we go outdoors. Sometimes it's as simple as buying a new lip liner to feel better. 

After the creams and potions, we either feel satisfied or get bolder with invasive procedures, which I am not opposed to when the goal is to look "refreshed." Tell me if I'm wrong, but I thought the point of a good facelift isn't to make you look like you had one. 

This subject can get messy, especially when we're talking about our neighbors, friends, or the hostess at our favorite restaurant. We're all "sisters," right, and we support each other. We're reminded not to body-shame. Those who don the Mar-a-Lago face are different. They're often grifters. They don't support their "sisters" and will even turn on each other. They enjoy their privilege while often reaping benefits from taxpayers' money. Male cabinet members, cronies, and fans are also going through plastic surgery to get that Mar-a-Lago look. 

From 1996-2015, the current occupant of the Oval Office owned the Miss Universe Organization—that includes Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA. Then came his reality television show, The Apprentice, where contestants competed to be his "apprentice," and, of course, they were all camera-ready, with enhanced makeup and perfect hair. It's been noticeable; he picked his cabinet members as "camera-ready," with resumes that pale in comparison to those of past cabinet members from other administrations. 

The point of "airing this grievance" is showing the hypocrisy of this "trend." Hyper-feminizing their looks, including surgical procedures and drastic facelifts that no longer resemble their original looks. Yet they make the drag queen and the small percentage of people from the trans community their enemy - the boogeyman. 

And if I am being honest, I have seen all of their "before" photos. They were all attractive women - on the outside. At most, their perceived ugliness was coming from "inside the house." 

**Conservative Trends - The Mar-a-Lago Face

If you liked this, see Carrying Water for the Patriarchy