In my Instagram DM I received an invitation to post a Black and White photo with the caption “Challenge Accepted.” The point of the invitation was for women to reach out to other women as a way of saying “I respect you. I see you.” In addition to posting the photo one is then to pass this on to other women.
So, yes, I was delighted and flattered to have received the message. And then I read a NY Times article that rained on my delighted parade by calling the challenge vague and not really with purpose. It was a mindless means for women to post their most flattering selfie, the article claimed. Hmmm….
I think that’s a rush to judgement. We are often so busy and in the throes of our life that to take a moment to acknowledge someone else, their work, positive impact on community, their presence, or valuable friendship seems like something worth pausing for and passing on. I was genuinely happy to extend the invitation I had received to other women I know, some of whom I have admired but haven’t necessarily said as much during conversation.
Is it really so vague to DM a person and let them know you appreciate them? Is it wrong to respond by posting a photo? Are we so tied to sexist ideas about women that it’s automatically met with suspicion for them to highlight a nice photo of themselves? Or, that to say it’s about women supporting women is somehow unclear? Support comes in many forms. It can be a hug, financial, a referral, a podcast review (wink wink nudge)…
or a message to participate in “Challenge Accepted.”
ProfDolske 