The "Not Like Other Girls" Narrative

The phrase “not like the other girls” has been dismissively thrown around in real life and on social media.This phrase, “not like the other girls,” has been used to compliment and can be taken as part of someone's identity. Although this is not a compliment, it is known to decline the rest of the females. It's like saying, “Oh you’re different from the rest of the female population, that’s cool.” This proves that society thinks of feminine attributes as an insult. The phrase also may affect the mindset of others such as making fun of things that seem feminine, insults other women, and forces others to like things that are “not common”.

Something that people may not notice is that it is also a toxic gender stereotype, wherein we separate likes and interests to genders. Girls only like clothes, pink, nail polish, etc. Moreover, boys can only enjoy playing video games, blue, etc. This situation clearly shows that it makes fun of a woman’s femininity. Internalized misogyny is also present for other girls who claim that wanting to not be like the other girls suggests that they are not interested in “things that basic girls like,” this shows that you are judging their preferences.

What is so bad about being like other girls? Using this phrase as a compliment makes you question what they perceive other girls to be. They are complimenting you because you are different from everyone else. It clearly compares every woman's individuality and is known to be sexist. Not to mention that it’s saying someone is different because they don’t act like a woman. It’s saying how female qualities are bad, but there is an exception to those who do not act that way. This also puts down other women simply for just being themselves and is insensitive to one’s qualities. This phrase is simply to get praise or approval from boys and put others down. They put up a cover to think that being feminine is weak and needy and makes people stereotypically think that women are not smart or talented. When women are considered to have non-feminine interests or hobbies, it is rewarded by men because it shows masculine qualities which promotes sexism. This has been an issue for a long time where they teach young girls that it’s better to have masculine traits rather than act feminine. With stereotypes, it creates a stereotype that all girls are the same. It also put women against each other just to be perceived as unique in a man’s perspective rather than being herself and standing out.

Start addressing this narrative by not saying or accepting it since it simply insults yourself and the rest of the female society. It promotes sexism because it generalizes women. Support each other instead of taking each other down. Do not change yourself to impress someone else, make sure you’re happy and satisfied. Stand out and embrace your qualities and individuality. It’s okay to be unique and different but do it in a way where it affects society positively.