Women here are: strong, sexy, stylish, smart, self-driven, and, most importantly, no-nonsense. There's almost a taboo against putting your hair up in a bun in the US, in order to avoid giving the impression of being "frigid;" not so here. Slicked-back in a ponytail, in a tight knot or in long tresses -- anything goes. The same can be said for makeup; whether sporting bright red or coral lipstick or simply going au naturale, basically women just own whichever look they decide to go with. Two common themes, however, are high-heels and scarves. The other day I saw a women riding a motorcycle wearing stilettos. Unfortunately, the population on average seems to be a good few inches shorter than what I was used to in Sweden (or at Harvard, for that matter, surrounded by all of my friends who row crew), so I already feel gigantic. No heels for me. The scarf thing, though. That I could try.
source: spinzmovies.blogspot.com
Anyways, women here are much more stand-offish than in the States. I'm not sure whether consequentially or as a cause of this (it's a chicken-and-egg question), the men - as I've mentioned - are very forward here. The looks in the street are unnerving. The whistling is a bit much. So the women walk quickly, look straight ahead, and make the men work for their attention. It's always the men who do the approaching, who take initiative. An interesting contrast with the US or especially London, where the girls are all decked-out at clubs to get any sort of attention from guys. I've heard it said that the French think English women are too showy... They certainly wear more makeup (and more black).
One could say that the French stick almost religiously to traditional gender norms. Not that women can't work or anything - quite the opposite in Paris - but that women should be feminine and men should be charming. (It's not always charming, but they try.) This is so different from Stockholm, where androgyny is all around. Men are pretty... feminine, what with the pierced ears and slicked-back hair and tight jeans. Women wear men's clothing (although, there are plenty of high heels to be seen there, as well). And overall the relationships seem to be a bit more women-driven. Or rather, the men are more passive. Indicative of the politics, perhaps? Hmm...
I'm learning to, if not assimilate, at least become accustomed to the ways of the country. I've started to wear sunglasses so that people can't make eye contact with me. It's working, so far. Luckily it's not exactly like this at home...
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