4 panel comic of two people holding drinks, talking
1
Blue: You wear too much makeup.
Pink: You consume too much oxygen
2
Blue: It’s just my opinion, you’d look better withou-
Pink: So would you. Without oxygen
3
Pink applies lipstick
4
Pink: Fuck your opinions.
I have to admit there’s a dimension to this I don’t get. I absolutely agree that whatever makeup you choose to apply is your business and no one else’s. But every single woman in my life, from my mother, to girlfriends, cousins, platonic friends, and my wife has expressed their opinion to me (often disapprovingly) at one time or another about my decisions with regard to my clothing, facial hair, regular hair, etc. I feel very sure this is an experience many other men have also had. It annoys me, but I don’t see it as an issue in my life.
What makes this any different?
Mothers telling their sons how to dress should not factor into how equals talk to each other.
Most of the phenomenon you describe that I’ve seen came from teenagers. My wife is an emotionally aware 30-something, so she knows better.
Also, if you straight-up look like a slob, that’s not gender-specific like the comic. Comic guy has never been a woman, doesn’t know why comic gal wears makeup, and yet he feels like his opinion should matter (it shouldn’t).
Systemic oppression