The Rise of Weird Girls
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Is being weird finally cool? It seems that the media is slowly shifting in favor of the weird girl. Characters like Patty from Dinner in America, April Ludgate, Nadine Franklin, and Maya Ishii-Peters are popular amongst women right now. But why the sudden shift, when weirdness in middle and high school led to crucifixion amongst the cool kids? This shift in the media's perception of being ‘cool’ can show an overall value in individuality, but this sudden interest in weird girls sparks debate with the romanticization of unconventional behavior.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
What is a weird girl? Often, we recognize traits of eccentricity, social awkwardness, emotional rawness or bluntness, and overall nonconformity as ‘weird’. Patty is often called the R-slur and made out to be stupid and overall bad in social settings. April Ludgate is monotone and blunt, with macabre fascinations. Nadine is vulnerable and brash, and awkward in her relationships. Maya is eccentric and loud, and made out to be an ugly, as she's labelled ‘UGIS’ ugliest girl in school. But these odd characters are so favorited right now, and I see them all over social media being loved and adored. They break away from the stereotypical ‘manic pixie dream girl’ trope we often see weird women fall into—an inherently male perspective of non conforming women. Perhaps that is why women favor these characters, because they feel authentic to the female gaze. They are not trying to be cool, but only be themselves.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
These women are not trying to get the validation and attention of men from their quirkiness, but in fact, they are doing it to serve themselves. In recent years, there has been a cultural shift towards rejecting perfectionism and embracing more niche communities. It is beginning to be understood that one ideal or standard is not complacent for every individual, especially when these standards are made for a Eurocentric way of looking and acting. These weird girls are unpolished, raw, strange, and utterly themselves, actively rejecting the culture.
I think a lot of the discourse around weird girls being archetypes has to do with the commodification of the manic pixie dream girl. We don’t want characters embracing their individuality to become another archetype, because it inherently counteracts the essence of being weird. There is no becoming a weird girl; it is just something you are. It is embracing yourself and acting in your true nature. The portrayal of these women highlights their humanity. It allows women to see their true selves on television. Throughout history women have been portrayed as servants to the male lead, acting on his will, and adding a sexual aspect to the show, all to hold the male audience's attention. Now, women are allowed to be real and authentic in their full capacity. These women are the opposite of sexy, rejecting male attention, and living their fullest weirdest self.
Strike Out,
Jaden Rudd
Editor: Maya Kayyal
Saint Augustine
Jaden Rudd is a Staff Writer for Strike Magazine, Saint Augustine. She loves Fantasy and wishes to one day have a pet dragon. You can find her at @jadenrud on Instagram, at jadenrudd95@gmail.com, or check out her poem “The Fae” at Midsommar Magazine.
