The early feminists were right in thinking that, if women were to compete with men in men's pursuits, they would be wise to eschew fine attire. If all women wore a drab and serviceable uniform it may be assumed that the qualities for which men admire women would be more similar than they are to the qualities for which, at present, women admire men. It must be confessed that men's standard in women is more frivolous than women's standard in men. This is regrettable but not easily to be prevented.
Source: Bertrand Russell: Mortals and Others, v.1, 1975
More info.: https://russell-j.com/IFUKU.HTM
a brief comment
The quotation accompanying the attached image (showing three politicians and three beautiful women) is taken from Bertrand Russell's essay "On Clothes," included in one of his essay collections.
What impression do you get from this photograph? Many men might think, "I envy them for being with such beautiful women." Women's reactions, on the other hand, may be a little more complex.
A woman confident in her own appearance might feel a touch of contempt, thinking, "Men like that are easily swayed by youth and beauty." Others might think, "Such attractiveness can be used as a means to advance one's social standing."
In this essay, Russell points out that the standards by which men judge women are more frivolous than those by which women judge men.
When we observe our own emotional response to this photo, we may find that his observation still contains a measure of truth, even in our supposedly gender-equal modern society.
How would you feel, I wonder, if you looked at this photograph?
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