We live in a world that systematically disadvantages women. Even if you think both genders are often subjected to body image pressures, I will strongly argue that the social expectations for women to care for their appearance is much greater. Women are often judged on their physical appearance as a form of self-worth and social currency, and often relegated to a monetary prize for men to acquire. So when we don't acknowledge this male culture of scrutinising female beauty on beauty alone, we are perpetuating a society that allows women to be vulnerable in terms of having self-worth, self-esteem and the agency to live a life without the limitations that they have as a gender.
There's a recent study that says once women pass the age of 20-22, they become exponentially less desirable in the eyes of men. Women's lives are already limited by gross breaches of human rights across the world, staggering income disparities, lesser likelihood of holding higher job positions, societal sexism, lesser influence in sex-hierarchial families, widespread abuse and violence, female health issues, pregnancy-related issues, body expectations that have lead many women to seek cosmetic surgery etc. And when we continue to make it hard for women to be safe, to be comfortable with being themselves and have opportunities, we are forcing them to make poor life decisions that continue the cycle of female oppression.
Don't make it out like Lisa was overreacting. Her chat with David was honest and reflective of how society treats women.
