Most little girls are taught to always “look nice” by their own mothers. Honing in on young girls’ appearances perpetuates the patriarchy in that they are taught to “objectify” themselves from a young age. This is harmful because it perpetuates the idea that women are objects, not people. When society thinks women are objects not people, violence against women increases.
I was told to “look nice” by my own mother, as were most women reading this. I remember having screaming matches with my mother in first grade over whether or not to brush my hair in the morning before going to school.
If you have girls, do not harm them psychologically by insisting that their appearance matters. And, if they prefer, let them cut their hair short.
Things We Forget 
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