Girl Power

In recent weeks, I have had a rather large dose of Girl-Power. It started with a historical insight into the origins of feminist activism, followed by a dubious measure of the Spice Girls live in concert and topped off with a train passenger who I see every morning ditch her heels for flat pumps. The over-dose of girl power has got me quizzing the power of the girl.

Starting with the third of these triggers, the fellow train passenger is regularly seen tottering about in her high heels. This morning, she was stomping about in a pair of notorious flat Primark pumps. Whilst I shall not comment any further on her choice of shoe, I would like to comment on her walk. She seemed to toddle in her flatties rather than stride into the station as she usually does in her heels. Besides looking four inches shorter, her walk resembled that of a giant plodding away. Gone were her pitter patter steps, and in were her thumping paces with a far from dainty sway.

As a regularly flatties wearer myself these days, I ask have hundreds of years of feminist battle fallen prey to the high heel? Can the essence of womanhood really be encompassed in a four inch piece of plastic? Arguably so - I for one feel undoubtedly sexier in pair of stilettos that I do in a pair of grimy trainers.

Such a perspective puts the efforts of feminists like Marie Olympe de Gouges to shame. Gouges was a feminist rights activist during the enlightenment who published the first Declaration on Women’s Rights. In an age of raging patriarchy, she argued for women to have the same rights as men. She was beheaded in 1793 and all political activity for women was officially banned.

Marie is likely to be turning in her grave at the sight and sounds of Posh, Ginger, Baby, Sporty and Scary. Whilst the Spice Girls attempt to project themselves as this century’s answer to patriarchy, they undoubtedly fail in their mission. Granted, they managed to pull in an almost 100% female audience, but their commitment to wearing the skimpiest of outfits on stage and provocative lingerie in their pop video does little to further the traditional feminist cause.

Are we indeed going backwards? What is to be truly feminine? Are we trying to disguise our flaws to live up to the image of perfection that is too often associated with femininity? Is the refusal to shave your underarms really a valid assertion of your right to be equal to a man?

Was it right for Hilary Clinton to be publicly critiqued for turning on the waterworks when she made some headway with her election campaign? Feminism should not come at the expense of restructuring what is natural to humanity, may it be the desire to look and feel attractive (even if it means wearing killer high heels or comfortable trainers) or the need to have the odd sob from time to time.

Likewise, the bra-banning feminists and the likes of their Spice Girl comrades would do better to divert their attention to the real issues facing some of today’s most vulnerable women such as forced marriage, trafficking and female genital mutilation. Feminism does not have to be associated with banners, protests and all in all a bit of a rant and rave. It’s not just about women’s issues, it’s about world issues. The redefining of feminism would allow for attention to be directed in places beyond thighs, breasts and bums.

The Queen of Hugs

Meet Amma, the Queen of Hugs.

Several weeks ago, the media reported on Amma’s UK tour. I have needed these past weeks over the festive season to gather my thoughts on this extraordinary “celebrity.” For those of you looking for some career inspiration, there is no better example of following your heart than Amma (real name Mata Amritanandamayi). Amma's "job" is to hug.

Amma (which translates as mother) is famous for giving invigorating, regenerating and calming cuddles. She is said to have shared over 26 million hugs with the citizens of this world since she was 17 (she is now 55 and the cuddles are going strong). Born to a poor family in South India, Amma’s philosophy talks of love, selflessness and meditation and this lady has hugged world over from Chile to Paris. Hugging 26 million people sure comes with its plus points and her efforts have amounted to an endless list of charitable projects.Her organization even holds UN consultative status. Details aside, Amma’s story tells a much deeper tale.

Firstly, amongst India’s drive for prosperity, hi-tech homes and giant super malls, it’s a relief to hear about people appreciating the little gestures in life.

Secondly, it’s amazing how little talent people have to have to be famous these days (The endless list of “save me!” Bollywood heroines and body building Bollywood heroes spring to mind). So it is significantly more reassuring to hear of a woman who is famous for hugging rather than for making a mockery out of herself on TV, or for being the son, daughter, partner or pet of a celebrity.

Talking as someone who had not even heard of Amma before Christmas, or who has since not experienced one of her renowned hugs, I can either call Amma crazy or praise her for going back to the basics of human affection. When I first heard about Amma, my initial reaction was “here we go again, another Saint to pop out of India.” Yet with the dawning of the New Year, I think Amma might be onto a good thing. She has drawn attention to be power of compassion in the most hands on way!

Hugs release positive natural chemicals in the body call Beta-endorphins which promote feelings of well being and relaxation. Whether Amma is a saint or beyond belief is not my concern, but it must take a genius to take the medical power of a basic and simple human touch and convert it into a million dollar charitable activity! Eat your heart out kissograms ‘cos in the words of author Adabella Radici “theres nothing like a mama hug.”