I got your trophy right here
So. I don't know if it's because I got added to a couple of those Facebook shopping groups, or because I peruse my Instagram "popular" feed quite a bit - but I've been seeing these "Trophy Wife" tanks/tees everywhere.
And my initial reaction to it was *eyeroll*, whateverrrr, dude. But, the more I think about it, I really detest them. I'll tell you why.
First, you need to know that I'm not a super-duper feminist. I mean, not in the sense of, "I hate men! Don't oppress me! Cook your own dinner!" but, I also think the term "Trophy Wife" is super-duper demeaning because I think women are assets, equals - and not possessions. Beyoncé t-shirt break: WHO RUN THE WORLD? GIRLS. And, yes - I realize that perhaps I'm taking these trophy wife tanks a little too seriously, but I see women in these tanks with their dolled-up hair, curled-up false eyelashes and full face of makeup, and I groan and cringe. They're taking this tank top title seriously. (SN: I think the only time these TW tanks would 'work', is if the woman wearing it was all anti-trophy-wife looking - comfy in her sweats with a messy top-bun and zero makeup - holding a toilet brush - because that would at least be funny and more realistic)
Secondly, I don't think it's a cute thing, a cool thing, or a life goal to be a trophy wife. What's a trophy wife, really? A woman who is an accessory, a prize - valued only for her looks. Normally, we never know anything about a trophy wife - we don't know where she's from, how smart she is, her opinion on anything or if she has any aspirations in life other than being a trophy wife, going to the gym and shopping. And, it's not because we don't want to know - we just...don't. And, it seems, trophy wives are significantly younger than their husbands. All of this seems very cliché, I know. But, clichés are clichés for a reason. I don't know if I personally know any trophy wives, but I'm in Orange County, California. I've definitely seen/been around some. It's hilarious.
Aside from the inundation of Trophy Wife apparel, another reason why I blog about this is because a friend sent me this fantastic article, entitled "Is the equal teammate the new trophy wife?" and my absolute favorite portion of the article says this:
“I believe men are understanding that a beautiful face means nothing without a beautiful heart and a beautiful mind. Good, mature, established men are recognizing the value of having a teammate in life. Someone he can take on the world with. Someone he can share ideas and discuss the world with. Someone who can stand on her own and is with him because she wants him, not because she needs him.”
I have to believe a woman who has her own ideas, dreams, goals and opinions - and who can not only hold her own in a conversation, but start a conversation - would not wear a Trophy Wife tank top, unless it's part of her pajamas. Or Halloween.
P.s. I have to admit I love the Trophy Husband t shirt, and I don't know why.
Just kidding. I know why.