If you’ve ever found yourself chuckling, groaning, or rolling your eyes at a male author’s portrayal of female characters, then this trend is definitely for you. With all due respect to male writers, it’s apparent that when they describe women, they often miss the mark, especially regarding physical attributes. If you’ve laughed aloud at the absurdities like a character’s “nonchalant” breasts or “vibrating” cleavage, then you’ll appreciate the ‘Men Writing Women Characters’ trend.
This movement began in 2019, thanks to book enthusiast Mia Thompson, who created the ‘Men Writing Women’ community on Reddit, inviting fellow readers to share their amusing and infuriating experiences. Since then, she has expanded the conversation to Instagram and Twitter, highlighting the bewildering ways men—yes, even those who consider themselves progressive—depict women in literature.
Despite an awareness that women prefer not to be portrayed as figments of a strange male fantasy, the situation hasn’t improved significantly. As writer Lucy Lane recently pointed out on Twitter, female characters are often still portrayed in laughably one-dimensional ways. “She’s 100% BADASS. Smart? She’s the BRAINS of the operation, even if she’s NOT in charge. Superpowers? Of course! Flaws? Sure! She’s a bit clumsy and too HOT and THIN for other women to be friends with her. Background? We didn’t THINK about that,” she quipped.
And yes, she’s definitely “not like other girls,” with Lane humorously adding, “She DOESN’T know how to engage with children, but she DID just devour a whole pizza.”
At least we can say she’s not wearing a see-through outfit with improbably tiny feet and barely-there menstrual cycles anymore… right?
Lane’s followers have joined in the fun, coming up with their own fictional characters inspired by the stereotypes often found in the work of woke male writers.
Ah yes, don’t you just love how your long, flowing hair conveniently covers your assets just right, even after a night of sweating? Us too!
To all the adorably clumsy ladies out there, who effortlessly sidle up to the bar with our flawless 34C figures for a whiskey—neat, of course—we raise a toast to you. Move forward with your perfect bosoms, toned legs, and impeccable charm. Your ideal partner is undoubtedly waiting for you on the next page. (RIGHT?!!)
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