If there is anything that recent incidents have proved, it's that female creators will always have to find their own way to navigate this always critical world. Tanya K, Mansi Gulati and Tanya Roy share their thoughts.
Women being scrutinized for anything and everything is not surprising anymore. There have always been instances when women have ended up on the losing end of unfair judgment. In today's digital age, where the internet serves as a public forum, this scrutiny has only become even more prominent.
It was only recently when the internet went on a frenzy, taking offence over Apoorva aka Rebel Kid's 'bad' language on a show that was caught in a controversy. While people were quick to point out her language, what people failed to acknowledge was how it was used as an act to defend herself against an inappropriate remark made by a contestant. If it was the language that made people call Apoorva out, Rida Tharana’s experience was completely different. A creator who shared an innocent video of herself dancing, was misappropriated by a man who used it as an example to illustrate the type of 'sadi ladki' he desired. This shifted the focus away from Rida's original intent and toward what a man finds acceptable. For anyone who argues about the lack of mistreatment against female creators, these instances are proof.
It's disheartening to know that women have come to terms with how badly they will be perceived no matter their intent. Female creators, like women in every field, have mastered the art of working within an invisible circle of judgment and criticism even when they are doing what they love. Creator Tanya Roy, who focuses on sharing lifestyle and fashion content, is one of the many female creators who attracts a great deal of public opinion. As a part of the creator economy, she acknowledges a bias that male creators tend to avoid.
"We are judged more easily and more critically than our male counterparts. Whether it's our choice of language or our outfits, people are quick to criticize us for simply posting online. If a male creator did the same, I doubt the repercussions would be as severe!" Tanya recounts moments when people rush to the comments to voice their unsolicited opinions about her outfits they deemed 'inappropriate'. "It's crazy! It's mean and hurtful. But you have to learn to ignore it; at least that's what I do. They forget that there is a person behind the screen!"
Face yoga expert and influencer Mansi Gulati has encountered similar challenges. As someone in the wellness industry, which is a space focused on health and well-being, she often faces comments filled with innuendos and inappropriate remarks. To avoid negative comments, she feels pressured to look and speak in a certain way. "As an author and face yoga practitioner, I've received criticism for offering something that is too simple or not flashy enough, even though simplicity is the key principle of what I teach." Meanwhile, it is not different for Tanya K, an actor and content creator. “People will pick on the way I talk, my expressions, or even my outfits 'oh ye dikhra hai woh dikhra hai', things that have nothing to do with my actual content. It’s frustrating because instead of focusing on what I’m saying, they focus on how I’m saying it and what is showing.”
As a society that prides itself on being welcoming and progressive, instances like these serve as reminders of how deeply traditional and misogynistic our views toward women can be. While men freely share their "thoughts" and "opinions" in the comments, women often feel the need to filter their responses to avoid attracting further criticism.
In moments of online backlash, do these creators feel the need to either be ‘graceful’ or prove themselves more than their male colleagues? Tanya K points out the pressure to maintain a likeable image that is expected from them as a woman, even when their content doesn’t necessarily demand it. Women are expected to be polite, soft-spoken, and careful with their word choices.
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While their communication is dissected, they also have to meet other conflicting expectations that never seem to have a concrete solution. For example, people presume a “no makeup” look will appear effortless, yet they also criticize it as being "too real." Some people demand a glamorous appearance, while others may find it overly dramatic and unnatural. In a space that promotes unfiltered and authentic conversations, women often bear the brunt of criticism for simply being themselves.
It’s unfortunate that these thoughts that have been expressed before continue to be relevant even today. It's not unknown that society often views women as inferior beings who need guidance to navigate life, arguing the need for it not because they lack capability but because “the world is a bad place.” As people continue to live by these ideologies, creators believe that platforms, brands, and audiences have a role in challenging these biases against female creators.
Tanya Roy notes, “Whenever a controversy arises, we see brands distancing themselves and platforms removing content. I'm not saying we shouldn’t regulate online content or invest in brands that align with our values, but taking action simply because there is a controversy is something I cannot support.”
Mansi feels that platforms and brands can do so by deciding on how they engage with female creators. While some support inclusivity, others still lean into stereotypical portrayals of women. Audiences, too, play a role. They can uplift diverse voices and can also limit ideas about what women should be. Tanya K believes that they have the power to either support real, unfiltered voices or push unrealistic standards. The audience decides what kind of content gets celebrated. “The real change happens when all three—creators, platforms, and audiences—push for a more equal and supportive digital space.”
As we embrace yet another Women's Day, isn't it alarming that we still need to find ways for platforms, brands, and audiences to show their support without bias? Don't you think limiting women from fully embracing their creative diversity and allowing them to express their womanhood without judgment feels like a distant dream? Especially when Women's Day celebrations are filled with melodramatic Whatsapp forwards and site wide discounts on beauty, makeup and fashion-centric websites instead of making space for what truly matters to women!
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