What an It Girl is

The Modern It Girl

Social Medias Influence

Where We Go From Here

Citations:

“It Girl.” Wikipedia, 31 May 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_girl.

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Aerodynamics. The study of the properties of moving air and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it. This study is based on fluid mechanics, which is the study of the behavior of fluids and the forces acting on them. Applications of aerodynamics are used frequently in our everyday life. For example airplanes, cars, and even construction are based or heavily influenced by aerodynamics. Since this subject is one that is very present in our everyday life, there has to be scientists who study the workings of aerodynamics. I interviewed Dr. Amy Lang Professor at the University of Alabama’s Aerospace engineering department. 

Her Journey

Dr. Langs journey to aerospace engineering began when her calculus teacher recommended engineering to her, which led to her majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Then later when she was in a thermodynamics class, her professor mentioned an undergraduate research opportunity that he thought would be the perfect fit for her. The lab was a fluid mechanics based lab, and through that she discovered studying fluid mechanics was the perfect fit for her.  That same professor encouraged her to apply to graduate school at CalTech, which she did and later attended. Dr. Lang later received a NSF(national science foundation) graduate research fellowship and got her PhD in aeronautics.

Dr. Lang states that the biggest impact on her career development has been her faith. She states “I feel God gives each of us talents that we are meant to use, and a purpose to glorify God with those talents.  Sometimes it takes humility too.  Even Jesus said, “I can of mine own self do nothing.”  I often think of that and know that it is God that supplies the intelligence and ideas I need.”

Research

As previously mentioned, Dr. Land received a NSF graduate research fellowship. She has continued to be a part of NSF as a project director, specifically coordinator, for a NSF Research Experience for undergraduate sites in fluid mechanics. The program is a 10 week long summer internship for students to do summer research before they commit to graduate students. The students get to work in a lab, and they meet weekly with the interns to help them improve their communication skills to better present their research. Then all of the students attend the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics in November to present their research. Dr. Lang states that she wants to “inspire capable students in engineering, especially women, to pursue a PhD in fluid mechanics” like she did.

Research: Take 2

Dr. Lang also conducts research related to bio-inspired flow control. She has conducted research related to studying shark skin and butterfly scales. Through her years of conducting research she discovered that her expertise is in fluid mechanics and not manufacturing the surfaces. She hopes that someday other researchers can develop the technology so that it can be used on aircraft to reduce drag and increase maneuverability.

A Slice of Life

Like many other fields in STEM, aerospace engineering is male dominated. Dr. Lang agreed to this statement and said that she never let that bother her. She mentioned that she would make friends with the other women in her class, but also with the men. She thinks that the biggest obstacles happened once she became a professor: Learning how to balance work, marriage, and having a family. But her husband was very supportive towards her career, which she states was a huge help.

Closing Advice

For anyone aspiring to pursue a career in engineering, Dr. Lang  suggests that you should just go for it. It is a rewarding career that is deeply engaging and has the potential to benefit society. She advises that you do well in your math and science classes and consider going to a good state school. She says that college will help you find a particular area of engineering  and help develop your skills and talents.

Additionally, Dr. Lang states that if you plan to get a PhD take it seriously. In engineering, getting a PhD can get you jobs working as a consultant or at a national lab, not only just teaching academia. She closes out by stating “Getting a PhD keeps you working in the field at the cutting edge of innovation. With us going back to the moon in 2026, there are so many wonderful career opportunities especially in aerospace engineering.”

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In a world where kings lead empires, governments are run by men, and revolutions are remembered through the names of generals, the work of women remains overshadowed, undervalued, and ignored. To such an extent that many believe true feminism is a creation of today. The truth is more unsettling and more inspiring: women were always there, shaping cultures, leading revolutions, writing poetry, and healing communities. It is not that they lacked voices; it is that history chose not to echo them.

The Myth

The prevailing opinion is that women waited their turn and earned their place in society through suffrage and years of oppression, which ultimately led to revolutions. But what if this belief itself is the illusion created by silence? Women were never absent. Enheduanna, a Sumerian priestess in the 23rd century BCE, composed hymns that shaped spiritual life in Mesopotamia and became the world’s first known author. Hypatia of Alexandria, a philosopher and mathematician in the 4th century, taught astronomy and Neoplatonism until her brutal murder for daring to be publicly appreciated. The work was undeniable, yet in the way history has been told, they became exceptions instead of representatives of a wider truth: women were always part of the story, just not credited as storytellers.

Why the Silence?

Silence is not intentional- the women of the past were never in power, and those who did were shut down.
Men, as the dominant record-keepers, decided what was monumental. Wars, treaties, technologies, and
dynasties were “worthy” of preservation. The main influences of women, such as education, sustenance,
and caregiving, were all regarded as “ordinary.”

Ask yourself this, though: in times of hardship, what is more “monumental” than keeping a community alive in famine? Than passing down knowledge when institutions denied you literacy?

The most agonizing truth of all is perhaps this: the society directed by men valued the personality traits typical of them over those of women. Destruction over creation. Power over care. Cleverness over kindness. And so, a system that only allowed measurement for specific things diminished the role of women, not because of its lack of importance, but because it became a regularity. A “great” man does things a regular woman does. If history had been measured by endurance instead of conquest, by nurture instead of dominion, society would have carved women in stone as readily as generals.

A stage for those on the sidelines

Mary Wollstonecraft: In 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft published A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, a manifesto that rattled the foundations of her society. At a time when women were dismissed as intellectually inferior, Wollstonecraft dared to insist that education was a birthright, not a privilege. In her time, men disgraced her memory, but she remains an inspiration. Wollstonecraft laid the groundwork for many major feminist movements that have emerged worldwide. Her courage lies in her dare to dream a world with equality.

Ada Lovelace: Known as the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace was ahead of her time, envisioning possibilities that came into existence decades later. She laid the groundwork for the digital revolution by predicting that computers could do much more beyond calculations. She believed they might compose music, create art, and extend human thought. Science, especially as a male-dominated field, was where she became the first of so many remarkable women who altered science as we know it today.

The First Suffragists: The women who risked everything—livelihoods, imprisonment, and death —went down in history refusing to be silenced. The women, including Emmeline Pankhurst, Susan B. Anthony, and countless others, dared to demand voting rights at various times across the world. Their persistence cracked open democracy, allowing those who came after them to be acknowledged, if not fully heard. Today, when voting feels ordinary, it’s worth remembering that women once risked everything for the right to mark a ballot.

Modern Reckoning

Today, we acknowledge and appreciate more and more of the women who made it possible for our names to shine, not for the pursuit of academic excellence and integrity but for the imagining of new possibilities. When learning that the first author or programmer in the world was a woman, a girl can feel part of an everlasting legacy. The act of remembering is part of a greater justice that women were denied for centuries. Call it a correction, a way of revoking the errors. But to some, it is a promise that sometime in history someone will know your story. You will have left an impact on the world that goes beyond the understanding of even the most simple-minded individual.

To read about more inspirational women, click here!

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In history, the contributions and achievements of people of color, especially women of color, have often been relegated to the shadows. Their stories of resilience, determination, and success deserve to be brought to the forefront. In this article, we shine a spotlight on three inspirational Latinas in politics who have left an indelible mark on the world. Their journeys from humble beginnings to positions of influence are not only remarkable but also a testament to the power of perseverance.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: A Trailblazer in the Making

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, affectionately known as AOC, is a name that resonates with millions of Americans. Born in the Bronx in 1989 to Puerto Rican parents, she grew up in one of New York’s poorest boroughs. Yet, her underprivileged zip code did not define her destiny. AOC’s story is one of determination and ambition, evident from an early age. 

During high school, AOC was a part of the National Hispanic Institute’s Lorenzo de Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session and even won second place at the 2007 Intel Science and Engineering Fair. Her pursuit of education led her to Boston University, where she double-majored in international relations and economics. But the financial struggles her family faced compelled her to take on waitressing and bartending jobs in her early twenties to support her family and pay off student loans.

Her Political Debut

AOC’s involvement in politics during the 2016 presidential election, volunteering for Bernie Sanders, marked her entry into the political arena. AOC’s meteoric rise to fame came on June 26, 2018, when she defeated a 10-term incumbent, Joe Crowley, during the 2018 midterm elections, making her the youngest-ever congresswoman at the age of 29.

Her legislative achievements are equally remarkable. AOC’s first action as a Democratic representative for New York’s 14th district was the Green New Deal resolution, a visionary plan for a 10-year national mobilization to tackle pressing issues, including climate change and economic inequality. She introduced 22 more pieces of legislation, including the Loan Shark Prevention Act, aimed at capping credit card interest rates at 15%. Even in the face of a Republican-controlled Senate and Presidency in 2019, AOC made her presence felt through her effective questioning in committee hearings and the passage of three amendments into law. AOC is arguably one of the most iconic and inspirational Latinas in American politics today. 

Sonia Sotomayor: Breaking Barriers on the Supreme Court

Sonia Sotomayor’s journey to the highest court in the land is a testament to her unwavering determination. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor faced adversity early in life when her father passed away. Yet, her dream of becoming an attorney fueled her dedication to academics.

In 1972, Sotomayor graduated as the valedictorian of Cardinal Spellman High School, setting the stage for her future achievements. She pursued her education at Princeton University, where she was involved in Acción Puertorriqueña, a Puerto Rican activist group. Her commitment to education culminated in a bachelor’s degree in history.

Her legal journey continued at Yale Law School. Here, she gained valuable experience as an assistant district attorney under the famous Manhattan attorney Robert Morgenthau. Sotomayor’s legal career saw her handling diverse cases, including the notable Tarzan murder case. She later joined the New York law firm of Pavia and Harcourt, focusing on business, corporate, and property rights matters.

In 1992, Sotomayor was appointed as a district court judge, primarily handling non-controversial cases. Six years later, she ascended to the position of Court of Appeals Judge. She presided over thousands of cases and authored numerous majority opinions. Her journey culminated in her historic appointment as the first Hispanic, Latina, and third woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. This was a momentous occasion that was celebrated by Hispanics across America and working-class individuals from the Bronx.

Aida Álvarez: Pioneering Leadership in the Presidential Cabinet

Aida Álvarez’s remarkable career is a testament to her commitment to affecting positive change. Álvarez was born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York. Her journey to the pinnacle of leadership began with her education and a determination to make a difference.

Her high school years saw her as a part of the ASPIRA program. This program was a non-profit focused on empowering the Latino community through youth development and advocacy. After graduating, Álvarez pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her career initially led her to journalism, where she worked for the New York Post. Later, she became a successful news anchor, earning accolades like the Emmy Award, Front Page Award, and Associate Press Award.

However, Álvarez’s path took a significant turn when she transitioned to investment banking. Her remarkable success in this field set the stage for her continued achievement. Next came her historic appointment in 1997 as the first Hispanic and Latina to serve in the United States Presidential cabinet. In this role, she oversaw the Small Business Administration. During her tenure, she presided over record levels of guaranteed loans and venture capital financing. She championed lending to women and minority-owned small businesses.

Today, Álvarez continues to be a trailblazer. She serves on the boards of major businesses and organizations, including HP Inc., Zoosk, Oportun Financial Corporation, the Latino Community Foundation, and the San Francisco Symphony.

A Lasting Legacy: Echoes of the Extraordinary Journey

The stories of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sonia Sotomayor, and Aida Álvarez are not just tales of individual achievement but also symbols of the resilience and determination of women of color. Their journeys serve as an inspiration for generations to come. Their contributions to society are a testament to the power of breaking barriers and forging a path to success, no matter the obstacles. These inspirational Latinas in politics deserve to be celebrated. Further, they should be remembered in the pages of history for their significant impact on the world.

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Dalip Singh Saund: Indian American Congressman

Saund (1899-1973) is the first Sikh, Indian-American, and Asian American to serve in Congress. He was born in British-occupied India in Punjab. Despite their own lack of schooling, his family supported his education. He earned his bachelors’s in mathematics from the University of Punjab in Amritsar. His family sponsored his trip to California, where he continued his education the University of California at Berkeley.

Although he earned a master’s and a Ph.D. in mathematics from Berkeley, he could not find a suitable job. He faced this challenge because he was an immigrant, and the high-demand jobs were reserved for whites. So he farmed until he gained citizenship in 1949. As soon as he earned his citizenship status, he quickly gained interest in American politics, and in 1950, he was elected as local justice. Six years later, Saund proudly became a member of Congress. His hard work is a tribute to all Sikhs, Indians, and immigrants who had to work against all odds to be treated as equals to white citizens. 

Indra Nooyi: Indian American CEO

The Indian American CEO of PepsiCo, Inc was born on October 28, 1955 in Chennai, India. She studied chemistry at Madras Christian College in Chennai. Later, she earned a degree in business administration from the Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta. When she moved to America, she attended Yale University to earn a second master’s in public and private management. Upon graduating from Yale, she worked as a consultant for a few years. In 1994, she joined PepsiCo as the senior vice president. In 2001, she was crowned the fifth CEO of  PepsiCo, Inc, becoming the first woman of color and the first immigrant to head a Fortune 50 company.

Jerry Yang: Taiwanese American Co-Founder of Yahoo! And Tech Investor

Jerry Yang was born in Taipei, Taiwan on November 6, 1968 . Unfortunately, when he was just two years old, his father died. In hopes of getting support from her parents and extended family in the United States, his mother, an English professor, relocated her family to San Jose, California. Yang attended Stanford University, where he pursued a bachelor’s and master’s in electrical engineering.

During his graduate studies at Stanford, he met David Filo, his future business partner. The two enjoyed internet surfing in their spare time. However, they disliked the lack of organization on the web, as it was hard to find the site they were looking for. So the two men co-created a map for the internet called “Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web.” As it gained popularity, its founder named it YAHOO, a backronym for “Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle.” According to Famous Entrepreneurs, the boys created a “search engine by which people could find their desired website simply by typing in the right keyword.” Yahoo became highly successful and made Yang a very wealthy man. In 2012, Yang resigned from all his duties at Yahoo so that he could focus on his new project: AME Cloud Ventures. 

Tammy Duckworth: Thai American Army Veteran and U.S. Senator

Duckworth was born on March 12, 1968 in Bangkok, Thailand, and later relocated to Honolulu Hawaii. After attending the University of Hawaii for her bachelor’s and George Washington University for her masters, she served as a helicopter pilot during the Iraq War.  She was one of the few female pilots for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The brave US army veteran unfortunately lost two legs and some mobility in her right arm. She sustained these injuries when Iraqi insurgents fired a rocket propelled grenade into her lap while she was in the helicopter. This incident made her the first female double amputee from war and earned her a purple heart.

The disability did not stop Duckworth from serving the United States again in the Illinois Army National Guard for ten years. According to her campaign website, she is a champion for “working families, civil rights, environmental justice as well as all of our Veterans and military families” (tammyduckworth.com). Tammy felt displeased by America’s systemic faults that negatively impacted Veterans and military families. When she won her seat in the Senate, she focused on supporting programs and laws that help those serving in the military and their loved ones.  

Haing S. Ngor: Cambodian American Surgeon, Actor and Author

Ngor (1940-1996) was born in French Indochina and began training to be a surgeon and gynecologist at an early age. Unfortunately, he was captured by the Khmer Rouge. Upon capture, he denied being an educated doctor to avoid extreme assault or execution. His hands remained tied even when his wife and unborn child, in desperate need of medical assistance, died in labor. Despite hiding his intelligence, he endured four years of inhumane treatment. Fortunately, he was able to escape to a refugee camp in Thailand and later immigrate to the United States.

He could not continue practicing medicine in the United States, so he started writing about his experiences in the Cambodian genocide. He published a book titled Haing Ngor: A Cambodian Odyssey. His book caught Hollywood’s attention and a few years later, he was cast as Dith Pran, an Asian-American photojournalist capturing the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, in the Killing Fields. Despite having no acting experience, he performed well and won many awards for his role in the movie. He positively impacted the Asian-American community by being one of the few Asian-American actors, and for receiving amazing feedback for his works in movies. 

The post 5 Influential Asian Americans You May Not Know appeared first on GirlSpring.

The Life of Anna Wintour 

Turns out, my friend was not crazy about this Anna Wintour person. Dame Anna Wintour is the current CEO of Vogue. In 2017 ,the late Queen Elizabeth II appointed Wintour with the position of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or DBE giving her the title of Dame. She’s believed to be the inspiration behind the iconic movie “The Devil Wears Prada,” she is known as the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, the chief content officer of Condé Nast, and one of the most influential and recognizable figures in fashion. Some even speculate that Edna Mode from the Incredibles series may be based off of Wintour. 

Known for her signature bob and her dark black sunglasses, she’s arguably the most powerful woman in the fashion world. She is praised for her skills in determining fashion trends, and she is hated for her aloof and no-nonsense personality. But this no-nonsense woman got to her current position without working hard. Her father, Charles Vere Wintour was the editor of London’s Evening Standard newspaper. Wintour went to school and later dropped out of North London Collegiate in ‘66. Four years later, she became a fashion assistant for Harpers & Queen magazine. She later worked as a fashion editor for numerous New York magazines. Inn 1986 she became an editor of British Vogue, and later in 1987, she became an editor of House & Garden. 

When Wintour replaced Grace Mirabella, the former editor in chief of American Vogue, Elle, another magazine, was launched in the United States with the sole purpose of dethroning Vogue’s popularity. Wintour unapologetically said in a published fashion philosophy she created, “mass with class – that’s my mantra.”

The Legacy of Anna Wintour

Afterwards, multiple famous and influential women were featured on the cover of Vogue, like Angelina Jolie and Hilary Clinton, to name a few.  She also worked on creating multiple associations and famous events including the notorious Met Gala to collect money to fundraise for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She’s also the reason behind multiple famous fashion careers including supermodels, photographers, and designers who made it big by flaunting her reputation and influence. People who benefitted from her influence include Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs. In 2003, she and the Council of Fashion Designers of America created the Vogue Fashion Fund to help support the next generation of American designers. 

The Devil Wears Prada and Other Media 

Anna Wintour is also the inspiration behind the famous best-selling novel by Lauren Weisberger and the 2006 film, the Devil Wears Prada. Meryl Streep acts as Miranda Priestly, an editor of a famous fashion magazine while Anne Hathaway plays Andy, a recent college graduate who serves as Priestly’s assistant. Andy tries to survive the high stakes and power struggles of the fashion industry. People speculate that Weisberger wrote the novel drawing inspiration from her time working for Wintour earlier in her life. Wintour also appeared in numerous documentaries about her life and her time at Vogue including The September Issue: Anna Wintour & The Making of Vogue and The First Monday in May. 

Throughout her life, Wintour has shown that she is not a woman to be trifled with, especially in the fashion industry. Her influence, signature look, and her no-nonsense attitude demands the respect and admiration of everyone around her. From the beginning of her career even to now, Dame Anna Wintour will always be known as one of the most influential women in the fashion world. She will go down in history as “Nuclear Wintour.” 

Sources

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Anna Wintour”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Sep. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anna-Wintour. Accessed 1 November 2024.

“The Devil Wears Prada.” Box Office Mojo, https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1481606657/. Accessed 1 November 2024.

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At first, I thought this was just some silly quote about Japan, but my mom was teary-eyed handing the card to my grandmother. It wasn’t until I grew older I finally understood the importance of those words.

My mom was born in Okinawa, Japan on an air force base. She grew up with an older brother and, like all siblings, they fought. Her father, my Oji (Grandfather), was a part of the U.S. military while my Oba (Grandmother) was working as a banker. My mom grew up moving from place to place. Money was tight for my family. My mom struggled in school, and the neighborhoods she grew up in weren’t great.

Her childhood was pretty hard for her but, being my mom, she made something beautiful and great out of nothing. She had crappy friendships, but she made them into funny stories. She wasn’t smart, but she turned it into a life lesson when I didn’t want to study. Though she didn’t have a stable relationship with her parents, she used it as inspiration to be an amazing mom to my sister and me.

When she attended college in Auburn, she had to drop out due to having me. Later she went back to school and got perfect grades, never failing school again. Afterward, she used her English degree to write grants for nonprofit organizations she believed in. Eventually she took a leap of faith and created her own business, a stationery shop by the name See Amy Draw, or S.A.D for short. She’s now an activist for social justice. She serves her community through her work with a nonprofit that prioritizes music education for children.

My mom faced many challenges during her life: Struggling in school, having difficulty making friends, and experiencing hard times in relationships with her family. She overcame much adversity and today she is the most inspirational and successful person I know. I love my mom. She’s an incredible influence on me and every single day I feel eternally grateful to have her. My mom made something out of nothing. She made her ugly into something beautiful. Now when I visit my Oba and see the card my mom gave her, I feel a bit teary-eyed reading the quote. My mom followed the quote’s meaning and applied it to herself. She added gold to her own broken dishes and made it an important part of her history.

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even my name is like yours

Zhixin and ZhuZhu

Our mothers are influential women in our lives – check out Girl Spring contributor Anna’s poem on a mother’s love.

The power of poetry imbues us with creativity; click the link here to see the power of haiku writing.

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[Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the US.]

But what exactly is this viral new trend and how should we embrace it?

The Root of the Preppy Aesthetic

The term “preppy” originally; referred to a subculture of privileged American youth who attended prep schools in the Northeast, such as Phillips Exeter and Andover, that fed into prestigious universities. The preppy stereotype was tied to old-money families, expensive sports, and luxury brands like Brooks Brothers. 

Traditional preppy fashion stems from mid-20th century Ivy League campus looks, characterized by clean lines, classic silhouettes, and a timeless appeal that refuses to go out of style. The preppy girl’s wardrobe includes blazers, button-down shirts, A-line skirts, tailored trousers, and simple dresses. The color palette leans towards neutrals, with navy, white, and pops of bright colors like pink and green as staples. Accessories like pearls, headbands, and ballet flats complete the look. 

Exclusion

Over the years, it’s transformed into a broader cultural phenomenon. Especially since the explosion of social media during the 2020s, the preppy aesthetic went viral and even developed sub-aesthetics. VCSO, or Southern Prep is a more trendy, casual version of the classic preppy look. 

While the roots are elitist, today, the preppy aesthetic is accessible to all, celebrating both classic and contemporary elements.

An Empowering Way of Life 

The preppy aesthetic is more than just fashion, it’s a state of mind that promotes:

1. Confidence: Dressing well leads to feeling confident. When you’re wearing a navy blazer, you can’t help but sit straight and feel like conquering the world. 

2. Academic Excellence: Embracing the academic side of the preppy aesthetic will motivate yourself to earn impressive grades and enjoy learning.

3. Empowering Traditions: The preppy style embraces and cherishes traditions, paying tribute to the foundations that have paved the way for today’s women.

4. Community Building: Unlike the exclusive origins of the aesthetic, the modern preppy community is inclusive and supportive. Girls who embrace this aesthetic often find a sense of belonging. 

5. Success: Many women attribute their success to the values associated with preppy style: drive, discipline, and staying classy. 

Owning the Preppy Aesthetic

The beauty of the preppy aesthetic is that you can adapt it to your unique style. Mix and match classic pieces with trendy ones, and add a personal touch with accessories that reflect your personality. This style is all about celebrating the traditions that empower you while keeping an eye on the future.

The preppy aesthetic isn’t just a hashtag; it’s a way of life. Embracing the preppy look is a declaration of self-empowerment, a commitment to one’s growth, and a celebration of the strength of womanhood. So, embrace your preppy side and step into the world with the timeless elegance and confidence it brings.

Keeping up with the preppy aesthetic, check out Girl Spring’s guide to luxury gifts this christmas.

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Historically, hysteria was a common diagnosis for mentally ill women that disregarded and ignored their underlying issues.

The concept of female hysteria dates back to Ancient Greece, where the term “hysteria” rooted from the Greek’s word “hystera,” meaning, uterus. Coined by Greek physicians, they believed that women’s emotional turmoil was linked to their uterus.

The notion and correlation between a woman’s uterus and her mental health has continued throughout society for centuries. While this belief isn’t still held today, there were lasting repercussions. One of these being the gender bias in medicine influencing women’s healthcare, research, and perceptions of mental health.

History of the Hysteria

Although, Ancient Greece isn’t solely to blame for this stereotype. During the Elizabethan Era, the works of William Shakespeare; more specifically, Hamlet, have also contributed to the notion of female hysteria. Hamlet’s female character Ophelia; already dealing with her father’s death, had an unsuccessful relationship with Hamlet, thus, the burden placed on her by her family to conform to society’s expectations of her, eventually spiraled her into madness.

While done inadvertently, Ophelia’s character further perpetuated the idea of hysteria to many audiences at the time. It was seen more as a horror story than the tragic one it was meant to be. This serves as a reflection of the societal expectations and limitations placed on women during the Elizabethan era. 

These historical examples have impacted the narrative around women’s mental health and shaped how our society sees mentally ill women.

How has this affected women today?

While hysteria is no longer a viable diagnosis for women, it still affects women’s mental health in numerous ways. Many women in need of support face the stigma of being seen as “overly emotional” or “unstable;”  the sentiment held towards hysteric females in the past. This in turn deterred them from getting the necessary help they needed.

Misdiagnosis also dissuades women from seeking professional help, as women today are still frequently misdiagnosed with the wrong disorders. This usually happens when their mental health issues are not taken seriously by healthcare professionals. (It happens more often than you think.)

Additionally, gender bias within healthcare systems also leads to many women not seeking help, more so due to the system’s prejudices. Unequal access to suitable mental health care for women is a big problem and the idea of hysteria has helped support these stereotypes about mental health. Therefore, something that should be accessible to everyone is now challenging and difficult to obtain. We must acknowledge and address the stigma of these issues to ensure that women can receive appropriate care and support for their mental well-being.

How can we challenge this idea? 

To ensure that this harmful notion of the hysteric woman is dismantled, addressing the impact it has on both women of our past and women today. In order to do so, we need to work together to:

• Spread Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the roots of hysteria and how this stereotype affects women today, we can dispel these misconceptions. Women’s mental health should be advocated for to promote empathy and understanding.
• Creating Safe Spaces: Creating spaces for women who have struggled to have open and honest conversations about their experiences. Helping more women be able to seek out the help they need is our goal. This safe place should be all-inclusive and non-judgmental.
• Advocating for Gender-Neutral Healthcare: Supporting the elimination of gender bias in healthcare systems is a start on mental health being tailored more toward females problems, not just emotion. This would also involve educating healthcare professionals and promoting policies encouraging fair and equal treatment for people of all genders. 
• Research and Data: For people to take what we say seriously, we need data to back it up. Encouraging research on women’s mental health informs healthcare professionals on practices and policies to help reduce the emotional stigma.

Breaking Hysteria

Ultimately, the notion of the hysteric woman is rooted in unfounded ancient beliefs perpetuated throughout history. Acknowledging and challenging this notion is a start to ensure the well-being of women is taken seriously and given the gravity it deserves. We can do so by spreading education and awareness, creating safe spaces, advocating gender-inclusive healthcare, and promoting research. 

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