The rise of muscle mommies🏋️‍♀️

Summary

The video script discusses the societal perceptions and expectations of female athletes, highlighting the contrasting images of Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams. It delves into the historical context of women's sports, the evolution of attire, and the commentary on women's bodies. The narrative then shifts to the modern-day 'muscle mummies' and their influence on social media, challenging traditional gender norms and redefining attractiveness and femininity. The script ultimately underscores the power of confidence and the subtle yet significant shifts in societal standards, as women embrace their physical strength and redefine what it means to be a woman comfortable in her body.

Takeaways

• 🎾 The speaker admires two contrasting female tennis role models: Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams, noting the different public perceptions of their appearances and athletic abilities.
• 💭 The media and societal double standards are highlighted, with Sharapova being portrayed as 'elegant' and 'sexy', while Williams is often criticized for her muscularity and not fitting traditional feminine ideals.
• 🏆 Female athletes' attractiveness often overshadows their sporting achievements, reflecting broader societal issues about the intersection of gender, appearance, and performance.
• 👗 Historical gender norms have influenced women's sports, with activities that preserved femininity being encouraged, and more intense or 'masculine' activities being marginalized.
• 👠 Outdated attire in women's sports was a result of societal morals, emphasizing the need for women to look feminine but not overly sexual.
• 📺 The 1960s marked a shift in women's sports, with outfits becoming more revealing and commentators' language becoming more objectifying.
• 💪 Present-day pressures on women in sports remain, with a focus on cardio and bodyweight exercises over strength training to avoid appearing 'too muscular'.
• 🤸‍♀️ The rise of social media has allowed women to challenge traditional gender norms, with many sharing their fitness journeys and encouraging others to do the same.
• 🏋️‍♀️ 'Muscle mummies' like Leanbeefpatty are redefining the concept of femininity and muscle, using social media to showcase their strength and challenge beauty standards.
• 🌟 Confidence is cited as a key attractive quality, especially when it involves challenging societal norms and embracing one's body.
• 📚 The speaker's book, 'Collapse Feminism: The Online Battle for Feminism's Future', is promoted as a resource for understanding the ongoing battle for gender equality in the digital age.

Q & A

What are the two distinct female role models mentioned in the script?

The two distinct female role models mentioned are Maria Sharapova, known for her elegance and sex appeal, and Serena Williams, recognized for her muscular build and powerful presence in tennis.

How did the perception of Maria Sharapova differ from that of Serena Williams?

Maria Sharapova was often perceived as elegant and sexy, with a focus on her physical attractiveness, while Serena Williams was frequently commented on for her muscularity, with some suggesting she was not very feminine or their type.

What was the societal expectation for women in sports in the early 19th century?

In the early 19th century, women were encouraged to participate in sports that preserved their femininity, such as fencing, ice skating, tennis, and gymnastics. Sports that were too intense or could make women appear too muscular were either banned or marginalized.

How did the sports outfits for women change from the 1960s onwards?

From the 1960s onwards, sports outfits for women changed drastically to be more revealing and highlight their sensuality. Ankle-length dresses were replaced with short skirts, and bodysuits with bikinis, as the sports world recognized the potential of female bodies to attract viewers.

What is the term used in the script to describe women who have an exaggerated muscular physique?

The term used to describe women with an exaggerated muscular physique is 'muscle mummies'.

How do muscle mummies present themselves on social media?

Muscle mummies present themselves on social media by using makeup, clothes, and poses to highlight certain parts of their bodies, similar to bodybuilding competitions, where they strike exaggerated poses and are super tanned to make their muscles stand out more.

What impact do muscle mummies have on societal perceptions of femininity and attractiveness?

Muscle mummies challenge societal norms by showing that being muscular does not preclude one from being cute or sexy. They help expand the definition of what a woman can look like and demonstrate what being a woman comfortable in her body looks like, thus changing desirability standards.

How does the speaker describe their own fitness journey?

The speaker describes their fitness journey as starting with bodyweight and cardio workouts, inspired by fitness influencers like Blogilates and Tone it Up! They then transitioned to developing more muscle mass for competitive sports, discovering people like Natacha Oceane and Whitney Simmons who had similar journeys.

What is the significance of the denim set with sparkles worn by Serena Williams?

The denim set with sparkles worn by Serena Williams is significant as it showcases her as a true fashionista and an example of how being muscular can coexist with looking fashionable and attractive, challenging the stereotype that muscular women cannot be feminine or sexy.

What was the most common response to the speaker's question about attractiveness on Instagram?

The most common response to the speaker's question about attractiveness on Instagram was confidence. This suggests that confidence is a highly valued trait that contributes to a person's overall attractiveness.

How does the speaker view the role of muscle mummies in challenging gender norms?

The speaker views muscle mummies as playing an emancipatory role in challenging gender norms without necessarily politicizing their actions. They naturally make rigid binary categories nonsensical by feeling free to dress and act as they wish, thus contributing to a more open and accepting view of gender expression.