When I was growing up, Justine Bateman radiated coolness on television. Her portrayal of Mallory Keaton in “Family Ties” was not just stylish; it was infused with a unique nonchalance toward fame, beauty, and trends. Fast forward to today, and she’s even more remarkable.
Bateman embodies a genuine disregard for societal pressures around appearance—she truly doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Her recent interviews discussing her book, “Face: One Square Foot of Skin,” sparked a desire in me to cheer and cry at the same time. Justine Bateman represents what it means to be truly badass.
In her collection of poignant stories, Bateman explores the complex relationship women have with aging. Her first declaration? Stop labeling her as “brave” for simply being herself. Cue the applause.
Isn’t it disturbing to label a woman as “brave” for aging naturally? It implies, “I couldn’t do that, but good on you.” Seriously, what’s up with that? Bateman isn’t interested in the debate over cosmetic procedures—she encourages us to reflect on our fear of aging. She explained to Glamour that identifying the root of our fears can lead to personal growth.
For me, that fear often ties back to feeling inadequate or irrelevant. Wrinkles serve as reminders that we’re aging, which society often views as a negative trait. Women over 40 seem to be invisible, prompting many of us to mask our true selves.
I once believed I would gracefully embrace aging, but here I am, obsessively scrutinizing my reflection during Zoom calls. Who is that old, grumpy lady staring back at me? Oh wait, it’s me! Even online platforms now offer features to enhance our appearances.
There was a time when I didn’t cringe at my reflection. I used to take photos with joy instead of hiding under my hoodie. Yet, today’s social media-driven culture, with its obsession for youth, has begun to chip away at my self-acceptance.
Investing energy into looking younger is draining. The more we feel insecure, the less power we have. The beauty industry spends billions perpetuating this mindset, but I refuse to let that define me.
Here’s my revelation: I’m 43, and I look every bit my age. I’m done feeling ashamed of the natural changes that come with it. Even in medical environments, there are advertisements promoting cosmetic enhancements, suggesting that aging should be avoided at all costs.
Of course, I still plan to treat myself to some beauty upkeep, but there’s a stark difference between minor self-care and the pressure to achieve an unrealistic youthful look. Bateman empowers us to reject the misogyny that claims our worth is tied to how we look.
This isn’t limited to Hollywood or social media. I once asked for skincare recommendations in a Facebook group, only to be reprimanded for not investing more in my appearance. It’s a twisted narrative that needs to change.
As Bateman stated in Vanity Fair, “Empowering women to what? To inject plastic into their faces?” She advocates for embracing who we are and walking confidently into the world with the mantra, “I look great, so back off.”
She also addresses the pressures faced by teenagers today, who compare themselves not just with peers but with curated online personas. As a mother of two teens, Bateman recognizes the overwhelming impact of social media.
This is not a critique of those who choose cosmetic enhancements; I respect that journey. However, it is challenging to navigate a world obsessed with youth when I want to focus on meaningful experiences—like travel and connections—rather than worrying about appearances.
So, I’m taking inspiration from Justine Bateman. Next time I scrutinize my 40-something face, I’ll remind myself: “I look great, so back off!” Thank you, Justine.
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In summary, Justine Bateman inspires women to embrace aging without shame. Her messages challenge societal norms, encouraging us to celebrate our authentic selves rather than conforming to unrealistic beauty standards.