One of the primary distinctions between men and women is that women are frequently assessed on their appearance rather than their character or ability. Research demonstrates that both men and women value women largely based on the appearance of their bodies. “We do not do this when we evaluate men,” stated Naomi Ellemers, Ph.D., in Psychology Today.
Dr. Ellers feels that the inclination to assess a woman primarily on her appearance causes her to be perceived as an object rather than a human being. “As a result of focusing on their outwardly visible features, we are tempted to overlook their inner states, ignore markers of their intentions, beliefs, and desires, and less likely to empathize with their plight,” according to Ellers.
Women in the spotlight are continuously assessed on their appearance rather than their work in a certain sector. Serena Williams once won the French Open, but all the attention was on what she wore on the court.
Hillary Clinton, for example, has been repeatedly attacked throughout her political career for what she wore or her hairstyle rather than her accomplishments.
Maggie Vespa, a news anchor at KGW-TV in Portland, was chastised for her fashion choices by a male fan, but she effectively utilized the issue to discuss the double standards that women face.
“Just wanted to let you know that the clothes you’ve been wearing, especially those crazy pants that ride halfwayup your torso, are not cool-looking in any way!” Jeffrey, a male watcher, contacted Vespa on Facebook. “You’re far too attractive to look so foolish.”
The following day, he sent her another message. “OMG, you looked so uncomfortable tonight. Try to dress like a typical lady. Isn’t KGW paying you enough for a wardrobe makeover? Jeffery wrote.
Vespa shared the emails on social media and had hundreds of comments, so she set aside a few minutes to discuss the problem on the news.
She had no intention of dressing for the masculine gaze.

“Here are my jeans. I like them.” I purchased them.
Maggie went on to exhibit images of five different pairs of high-waisted jeans she wore the week after Jeffrey’s texts. Maggie’s coworkers also joined in, wearing high-waisted jeans to express their support.
Vespa stated that the harassment “hit a nerve” with social media users, who seized the occasion to debate “the pressure women obviously face, especially those in the public eye, to embody the epitome of physical attractiveness at all times.”

“If we don’t, it’s somehow seen as a sign that we’re less credible or less capable, and, by and large, guys don’t have to deal with this,” Vespa said. “As my awesome male coworkers can and have attested to.”
Vespa then effectively reframed the harassment as an uplifting message for women.
What’s that? How’s being a woman in news?
Omg sooo great, thanks for asking 💁🏻 pic.twitter.com/zHh7wPBY49
— Maggie Vespa (@Maggie_Vespa) September 6, 2019
“Our goal here is to send a message to women, to girls, to everyone: Dress how you want, look how you want, and if anybody tries to make you feel less than because of that, that’s their problem, not yours,” Vespa told reporters.