Red Can Mean So Much Than You May Think
Remembrance Day is a somber day. I’d like to think the atrocious models of genocide are an ugly truth of our collective past. It is, yes. And it’s also our current state (I actually just sighed writing that as my eyes welled up in tears.)
The other week I saw this reel on Instagram with presumably women in the know about using red lipstick as a signal of rebellion. They were talking about how in World War Two, the Nazi Regime was obsessed with aesthetics. Um, that’s putting it mildly. One particular obsession or rule they projected onto followers was the idea of a women having a clean face. As in, makeup was not desired. A come-as-you-are-fair-featured-lady-natural-face was desired; painted lips, exaggerated brows were not. Let’s get out the Trad Wife alarm. It is so terrifying that history repeats itself.
Of course, I believe in a person’s right to express themselves visually any way that they like. Makeup, no makeup, some makeup, whatever. But adhering to an ideal set by predominantly men asserting dominance and power over their partner, coworker, passerby? Fuck no. Especially when you learn the connection between, “violent misogyny and violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.”
Whoa. I can’t get that out of my head. Especially with the obscene, clickbait article in the New York Times. I’m not going to link to the original garbage - no need to amplify delusion - but I will draw your attention to this rebuttle posted on Vanity Fair. To me, this is all tied together. It can and is snowballing. What happens when we leave misogyny of any kind unchecked? Can it become more and more extreme?
Research shows that there’s an increasing convergence between far-right extremist communities and misogyny, as well as increasing levels of violence. It is absurd to fear the encroachment of liberal feminism in the workplace, especially as young women nationwide are already being discouraged from this line of thinking. Currently, schools across the country are adopting draconian measures—like hanging up the Ten Commandments—to emphasize a socially constructed line between men and women. Women are coerced into adopting what’s “natural,” yet what’s “natural” has only been defined by the patriarchy. Women are losing the rights to their bodies, dignities, and beliefs every day. Starting an article with the headline “Did Liberal Feminism Ruin the Workplace?” does nothing more than appeal to those who try to keep lower-income women oppressed and drive young people into a tradwife future that keeps them caged.
-Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair
Back to World War Two, what did many women in revolt do? They wore red lipstick. It’s chic on its own but this was also a way to protest the Nazi’s without saying a word. It signalled to any passerby that she was not down with the SS.
I love red lipstick, I love red lipstick, I love red lipstick.
This got me thinking about what other uses of personal style could be seen as a rebellious act? Certainly, austerity measures like working women finally being permitted to wear trousers as the garment took up less fabric than full skirts. Not so much that woman should have the right to choose her own clothes. I loathe that this was even a thing but it is our history and my responsibility to acknowledge the women whose shoulders I stand on. The factories with female workforce making supplies and uniforms for the overseas front is an obvious act of rebellion.
Wearing Poppies to show your remembrance for the fallen soldiers and the world liberation from Fascists is a sign of rebellion.
The Keffiyeh worn as support for Palestine is a sign of rebellion.
Suffragette white, the Black Panther vibe, Punk Rock, Sunday Best during American Civil rights, and a good old graphic t shirt have all done their fair share of talking for the wearer.
Fashion plays such a stark, visual part of the overall story. That’s why I love it so much. It tells who are in a moment. It is up to the wearer to be deliberate about their story or let someone else write it for them. What do you want to say?
Listen, I know the world is terrifying. Terrifying. It may be hard to put yourself out there. Please know that I believe that it is also wonderful and I choose to be hopeful. Especially when I see a woman in a red lip sticking it to the patriarchal man ever so silently.
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Looking for more Remembrance Day content? Check out my legacy posts.
