In an impactful new video, actress and activist Laura Finch skillfully highlights the contradictory messages women face daily. Clear your calendar for five minutes; this is a must-watch. Finch collaborates with Women’s Voices Magazine to present “Be a Lady, They Said!”—a piece that should resonate with anyone who identifies as a woman, knows a woman, or interacts with women in any capacity. In other words, that’s everyone.
Since its debut on Vimeo, the video has garnered nearly 3.5 million views and continues to rise. The spoken-word segment features Finch delivering prose-poetry written by Lila Hart, which exposes the conflicting societal expectations imposed on women. “Be a lady, they said. Your dress is too revealing; your top is too tight. Hide your figure; cover up. Leave something to the imagination. Don’t tempt anyone,” Finch recites. “Men are unable to control themselves. They have desires. Be alluring. Be attractive. But don’t be too suggestive; you’re asking for trouble.”
The piece continues with, “Don’t gain weight; don’t lose weight. Indulge; watch your figure. Stop eating everything. Order something light. Avoid carbs. My, you look frail!” This relentless barrage of contradictory advice underscores the challenges women face in trying to live up to societal ideals. As Finch vocalizes Hart’s words, striking visuals flash onscreen: nudity, raw meat, scars, and young girls in high heels and heavy makeup.
The video takes viewers on a profound journey that dissects the inherent hypocrisy of the phrase “just be a lady.” What does that even mean? Finch’s presentation reveals that this phrase is riddled with contradictions, judgments, and misogyny. The expectations for women are an ever-moving target, often defined by those who do not share their experiences.
Don’t miss it—watch it now! For those who want to delve deeper, you can find the full original text of Hart’s “Be a Lady, They Said” easily accessible.
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In summary, the video “Be a Lady, They Said!” by Laura Finch powerfully encapsulates the conflicting expectations placed on women while challenging the outdated notion of what it means to be a lady.