I just need to vent in a space that will understand. Why can’t men just keep their thoughts to themselves?
For the past 3 years, I have really looked forward to Mudgirl. It’s basically a 5k with a bunch of mud pit obstacle courses, and it’s geared towards being women-only. It’s an incredibly supportive environment, and I always have so much fun.
I always get decked out in pink and put on heavy eye makeup. I know its going to run and get in my eyes, but, hey, it’s a fun look!
This year, after I finished, a volunteer (and of course a dude) walks up to me and goes, “I bEt yOu RegReT aLL tHaT mAKeUp.” I awkwardly laughed it off. After a few minutes though, I realized that it really rubbed me the way. I walked back up to his station/tent and said, “Please don’t make that comment to any other women wearing makeup today. It’s not in the spirit of this event.” He got all flustered and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
In the grand scheme of life, I know that his comment was meant innocuously and that it wasn’t a huge deal. But, like, come on. If you’re volunteering at an event geared towards being a safe, inclusive space for women…..can you not comment on a woman’s appearance????
Ugh. Thanks for listening. Still highly recommend the Mudgirl events if they come near you, though!
Comments
I’m so impressed you went back to talk to him! Nice job.
It’s annoying when someone undermines the confidence women have in expressing themselves, especially in spaces meant to uplift and support them… but I appreciate you speaking up, it shows strength and sets a good example for others. Still, it’s hard not to feel a little disheartened by such comments, even if they’re not meant badly. You did the right thing by addressing it, though, and that takes guts.
He probably didn’t even realize that he was Doing a Microaggression. Good on you for bringing it up to him! People won’t change if they don’t know that they have to change.