This week I heard one of the phrases that disgusted me the most: “This woman must have been very beautiful when she was young.” It was said by three fellow coworkers who took the opportunity to make this comment when other colleagues in the office stood up to go to the restaurant bathroom. Actually, someone said it, but the others nodded. The trial was not malicious, nor was it any acrimonious or overtly sexist tone. It was an objective assessment by a group of gentlemen in suit jackets and a little belly. One is ticklish, the other is bald., one is a beginner and the other is consolidated. Saint Matthew has already said, we see the speck in our brother’s eye and we don’t notice the log in our own eye. We women have been listening to such comments since time immemorial and feel judged with hatred for our physique. Not only for men, but also for some of their peers. Sad.
Canarian actress Sara Sálamo revealed at the Goya premiere that she attended the party without makeup. And of course they squashed and questioned whether that was true. If you wear too much makeup, it’s bad. If you do a little, it’s worse. Some people believe that women have a clear ban on ruthlessly expressing opinions about any gesture, action, or idea that they put forward. A photograph of Minister Ione Belarra with her nipples marked becomes the center of a political debate and is the perfect excuse to go for a personal throat cut and question her professional value. Someone explain to me why our boobs are so important. A group of hyenas criticize Madonna in every post she posts, in everything she does or poses, and They say old and operated. The queen of the dance floor showcasing her maturity or botox is meant to be exemplary, but she didn’t come into this world to set an example. You better make a revolution. Meanwhile, no one is giving Mick Jagger a hard time.
The strange thing about rudeness is to associate a woman’s physique with the excess or imperfection of sex life. If you have sores in your mouth, it is because you engage in certain sexual practices. If you’re in a bad mood, overweight, or stressed, it’s because you need to do more, and if you’re in a good mood, it’s because you’re getting good service. If you have a strong position, it’s because you keep an eye on your boss. You’re narrow-minded if you don’t do it anymore, and a whore if you go too far. The list of nonsense is endless.
Back to the Goyas and how much I enjoyed the thank you speech from Carlos Saura’s son Antonio. I liked that the director remembers his father, who paid homage to the women he was with. Four in particular. His praise and the way he praised his virtues was a balm. An oasis amongst so much noise. I think of that conciliatory tone as I watch how the “one day was beautiful” woman returns to the table. She wears lipstick and three machirulos observe her enchanted. Of course it was beautiful, but today even more beautiful. We are looking at each other. We smile at each other. The best time is now.