liquid smooth
internalization of beauty standards and the exhaustion of womanhood
I’m a 21-year-old woman. I know that I am young. I know I am pretty, not because I find myself particularly attractive, but because the world around me treats me accordingly. I can tell that I am not beautiful in a way that is ineffable but I am attractive enough to be treated well by strangers. I know society values attractiveness more than I do. I know that society has a timeframe for my beauty. Mitski describes her beauty and youth as “Liquid Smooth” on her 2012 album Lush. Liquid shapeshifts based on the container it’s placed in. Its shape is moldable and temporary. By being “smooth” she describes herself as naive, someone who won’t cause friction or fight back. She can be influenced by anyone, good or bad. Of course, smooth also relates to smooth skin, which is held by the youth and is considered to be attractive.
I'm beautiful, I know 'cause it's the season
But what am I to do with all this beauty?- Mitski, “Liquid Smooth”
By describing her beauty as a “season”, she is showing her awareness that beauty is fickle. When you're young you have something that other people want and admire. Like the saying “Youth is wasted on the young.” There is a vitality and energy that only the youth hold. But your age is out of your control and you know it’s something that won’t stay stagnant. Youth and beauty are both shallow and superficial things and placing value on this takes the pureness out of youth. Knowing society places more value on your own beauty than you is conflicting and can feel objectifying and dehumanizing. Mitski illustrates this with the line "Biology, I am an organism, I'm chemical. That's all, that is all.” The word “organism” rather than “human” shows how she feels observed and entrapped. Using a more scientific, concrete term in contrast to conveying identity and individuality.
I'm liquid smooth, come touch me, too
And feel my skin is plump and full of life, I'm in my prime
I'm liquid smooth, come touch me, too
I'm at my highest peak, I'm ripe about to fall, capture me- Mitski, “Liquid Smooth”
The choice of the word “capture” in the line “I'm ripe about to fall, capture me” creates a predator-prey dynamic and creates an image of herself as something powerless to be consumed and confined.
These lines are not Mitski dehumanizing herself or feeding into the narrative (in my interpretation) but rather used as satirical social commentary. She is mocking society and drives it home with the first line of verse two, “Or at least take my picture.”
I am a 21-year-old woman and the way I have internalized societal beauty standards has at times felt unnatural and destructive. There is a rage that comes with the internal conflict of wanting validation from society while resenting that society put value on your appearance first place.
But if I gave up on being pretty, I wouldn't know how to be alive
- Mitski, “Brand New City”
And who is all this hard work for?
Though honestly, sir
All I wanna do is get naked in front of you
So you can look me up and down and tell me
"Well done, girl, you're looking good"- Mitski, “Real Men”
I am angry that I want to look my best at all times and then feel objectified. I am angry that sometimes I feel used for my body. I am angry that sometimes I can’t tell if I really am being used or if I’m just afraid of it happening to me. I am angry that it is something that could happen to me. I am angry that sometimes I don’t know a man’s intentions. I am angry that I even have to question a man’s intentions. I am angry that I can look at someone with genuine love in my eyes and not know if I’m being looked back at as a sexual object. I am angry that sometimes I want to speak but I already know my words will never be listened to. I am angry that I can tell when a man hasn’t heard me. I’m angry that sometimes men don’t try to hear me. I’m angry that sometimes a man can hear me but not listen.
Why do I tell you how I feel
When you're just looking down the blouse?
It's something I wouldn't say out loud
If touch could make them hear, then touch me now
- Clairo, “Blouse”
I am angry that this isn’t just my experience. I’m angry that this isn’t the first time any of this has been said. I’m angry that I’m having to repeat what so many women have already explained.
You have to answer for men's bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you're accused of complaining. You're supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you're supposed to be a part of the sisterhood.
But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful.
You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It's too hard! It's too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.
- Barbie (2023)
You don’t have to feel empowered to change society. You don’t have to be uplifted and ready to take on womanhood with a smile on your face. You can just be upset and be angry. Even if it’s just for now. It doesn’t make you any less of a strong woman and I think we all deserve it.
thank you for reading !!
This was more of a rant. I have no solutions!!! I am a big bad woman but I’m also just a girl who likes to click clack computer buttons <3
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When did you realize men are evil by nature, mama? :)
- Caroline <3
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