The idea that “femininity is artificial” is also blatantly misogynistic. Just as woman is man’s “other”, so too is femininity masculinity’s “other”. Under such circumstances, negative connotations like “artificial”, “contrived”, and “frivolous” become built into our understanding of femininity – indeed, this is precisely what allows masculinity to always come off as “natural”, “practical” and “uncomplicated”.

The idea that “femininity is artificial” is also blatantly misogynistic. Just as woman is man’s “other”, so too is femininity masculinity’s “other”. Under such circumstances, negative connotations like “artificial”, “contrived”, and “frivolous” become built into our understanding of femininity – indeed, this is precisely what allows masculinity to always come off as “natural”, “practical” and “uncomplicated”.

– Julia Serano –

Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity

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