Are we oppressing ourselves? The truth behind Judgment and snarky comments

In high school, I survived a mean girl. Ironically, she was my best friend. She was back biting me, to my other friends, and putting me down through snarky comments. I remember one incident when I excitedly told her I was going to go to Mexico with my older brother and sister. She told me she hoped I caught a parasite.

So, that was not a very subtle comment and that was nearing the end of our friendship. Because of her constantly putting me down, I lost myself and all my friends. I attempted suicide. I believed what she said about me and decided I didn’t want to live.

Why is this important? Because women are still doing this to each other. Obviously, I survived and overcame it. I Found a wonderful man and became a mother. Shockingly, there are mean moms too. However now its not just you at stake but your little ones as well.

Why do we judge

Through our snarky comments and judging attitude, we tear each other. But why do we do it? Is there some odd competition we all think we are in? Why do we fight when we have enough fighting against us in our lives?

1. insecurity

When we are unsure of ourselves and what we are doing, we try to validate our decisions by ripping on others. I have a sister in law who is better at being a mother than I am. It would be so much easier to hate her because just being around her makes me feel like I am a terrible mother.

2. Fear

When someone intimidates us, it is natural for us to turn against them. If someone is doing a better job at work and we are afraid of being replaced what should we do? Tear them down until they quit right? Enter mean girls.

3. Loneliness

Has anyone engaged in gossip to bond with a certain female? I am guilty. It is so much easier to talk about other people and what they are doing wrong in their lives then to talk about our own lives. When we are trying to make small talk or get to know someone we tend to talk about others. I do this with my m

other in law. I get nervous around her and then engage in gossip.

4. Wanting what they have

Remember my story and my mean girl experience? The reason she was mean was for many different reasons but what I eventually learned was that her boyfriend (who was my best friend as well) talked about me a lot. This led to jealous, insecurity and wanting what I had with him. Remember her remark about Mexico? Because she wanted to go.

Too often we will put someone down because they have what we want. Someone get engaged, they are not right for each other. Someone brags about getting into a good school, how did she get in she isn’t that bright.

Why Must we stop Judging

Women are still unequal in the eyes of many around the world but the main people making that true are indeed women. Think about how much more we can accomplish if we band together to support each other instead of tearing others down.

If we stood up for each other and our own decisions, then maybe the world will see us as a stronger sex. The attitude toward women have become the butt of jokes. Think of sitcoms and how often we are shown to be emotional, irrational, judgmental, and demeaning toward each other.

If we are truly for equality shouldn’t we prove it by showing each other equality. Instead we have mothers who criticize other mothers about not breastfeeding or breastfeeding in public, staying at home and being a working mom, even having one child or four. Who cares! Why must we judge the other mother and her decisions based on what we know.

If a woman is loving and genuinely tries to do the best for her children, then why do we judge. If a woman does not want to have any children and that is her right. If she wants to have 10 it is her body!

How can we stop judging?

There is a woman in a grocery store. She is in her pajamas with no makeup on and her hair is not done. She is not in the best shape and she is buying top ramen, mac and cheese, and frozen pizza. She has a baby in the cart that is still in pajamas and a toddler walking behind her. How would you judge her?

Could we instantly think she is lazy? I mean it is 2 o’clock in the afternoon. This may be a cliché but put yourself in their shoes. This woman could be having a bad day. She got in a fight with her significant other, they don’t have a lot of money for food, and she is struggling with a silent depression.

This is one way we can stop judging others. Think about them and what their struggles could be. Don’t instantly think the worst of them. We always jump to the conclusion that they are bad people. When in fact they are struggling with trials. Look for the positive in every person you know or meet

I know I have gone to the store in my pajamas because I lacked the energy to get dressed but needed something. I struggle with anxiety and depression and I can attest that more people struggle with these silent diseases and are judged because they are “lazy”. When in fact they do not have the will to do anything. No one can judge a depressed mother until she has been depressed.

What we can do

If we find ways to find the good in everyone, we will begin to find the good in ourselves. We will build confidence and stop judging others. If we can build each other up, then the inequality we see against women will diminish.

We can band together to support each other and to empower one another. A mother and woman who is supported will build a greater life, a happier family, and change others lives. Mothers who raise happy families contribute to a functioning society and can change the world.

How can we empower each other?

1. Women groups!

We can support each other but seeking for other women groups where we can share and not be judged. Facebook has several women groups that are against judgement and  shaming. Find other moms around you. Build up a close circle of friends that will support you and help you achieve anything you want.

2. Reach for your dreams!

Don’t give up on any of your dreams. We as women can do anything we want. We are not slaves to our households. As we reach for our dreams we will show others around us that women can do anything that we dream of. If this is being the best mother possible then be that mother. Maybe your dream is to write a book, get your PhD, or even start your own business. Do not let fear or failure keep you from reaching! You will never know how high you can go unless you try.

3. Be an example to younger women and girls

Children are always watching us. They learn from our example in every way. If we act frail they may feel like that is how they must be. Show younger women and girls that they can do whatever the set their minds to. Mentor them and be there for them. You do not know the significant impact you can have on their lives.

We are all in this together. We all face inequality most of which we inflict on each other. Women need to support Women instead of tearing us down. Maybe then we can truly change the way women are perceived and treated. Let us stop judging and start empowering! We can show the world just how much we can do.