War Paint

My first post in my Writings section has been published...
War Paint


I'm not sure when or how we got to the point where lines blurred between friend and foe as we grew older. As if we were predetermined to be this way, but I believe we are more likely just influenced to be such.

Like tribe members making alliances to those we trade with our many secrets, we've come to dislike the other kinds no matter who they really are inside. This prejudice has been built up, broken down, and disected, but it seems to be primarily based on looks. We, as women, judge this way and for some reason believe we have an inner meter that gauges if we will bond with one of the same sex just by her appearance. We put on makeup in a fashion that is as fierce as those that do so to go to war.
But who are we rivaling? And what for?

Is it to make sure she knows I'm prettier than her?
Is it to win over the oh-so-desired man?
Is it to prove my worth through looks?
Is it to make my self esteem soar?
Or is because I have no knowledge of my self worth?

This fight we seem to have with eachother is exhausting and confusing. Many times we should look in the mirror and realize the fight is with ourself. I no longer want to fight with them, wage war over frivolous things.

The base to cover up the flaws, the eyeliner and mascara which highlights what one wants others to see, the lipstick that brightens a duller me, eyeshadow and blush to finish it all off. In the end you have a girl readied for war. With snide remarks and quick demeaning glances, another girl falls in the battle. Tearing down others is not the way to rise.

So I say to you, I'm out of this fight. No more war over beauty and grace, when one has to do quite ugly things to win.
No longer will I raise spears of gloss and wear poison-tipped lipstick.
Some beautiful things can be very brazen.
I will take off my war paint. I will see with kinder eyes. I will go to battle but bear no arms except open ones.
I just hope others will do the same so when they come to meet me on a hill they won't be expecting a fight, and be surprised when I hand them the peace pipe.