It’s a familiar scenario that unfolds at PTA meetings, playdates, and online forums:
- “Did you catch what she did?”
- “Can you believe she said that? What a total nightmare.”
- “Honestly, I would never wear that. She looks ridiculous!”
Let’s be real, we’ve all been there. If you claim you’ve never criticized another woman for her mistakes or public misfortunes, you’re not being honest with yourself. You might think you’ve never kicked a woman when she’s down, but let’s face it, we all have our moments of weakness.
Yes, we may uplift our close friends, but it’s all too easy to ridicule a famous woman or judge another mom’s parenting choices. We’ve all made snap judgments in comment sections before truly engaging with the content. It’s time we own up to this behavior.
Ladies, we need to do better. We talk a big game about supporting one another, tossing around phrases like “I’m here for you” and “I’ve got your back,” yet we often find ourselves waiting for one another to slip up. When we see another mom falter or a colleague stumble, many of us take that chance to gossip or criticize behind their backs.
Women consistently let each other down. It’s as if we’re all on the lookout for another mom to make a blunder so we can feel superior about our own lives. Whether it’s a mom who botched a PTA event or a coworker who missed a crucial deadline, we seem ready to pounce. We relish in the opportunity to judge another woman’s parenting decisions, and we all know that one friend who whispers gossip at school events.
I witness this behavior in online communities, at gatherings, and on playgrounds. It’s disheartening and infuriating. We dissect the actions of celebrity moms (and no, they don’t “ask for it” by being in the spotlight) while enjoying a glass of wine, and we share a laugh at the expense of another woman’s humiliation.
We frequently find amusement in bringing each other down, and even worse, we justify it by claiming it boosts our self-esteem.
I’m not exempt from this behavior, and I’m not here to preach from a pedestal—I’m pointing the finger at myself too. Just this past weekend, I watched in disbelief as Mariah Carey had a less-than-stellar performance broadcasted to millions. With the world’s eyes on her, she faced technical difficulties, flubbed her lyrics, and experienced one of the most mortifying moments of her career live on air. It was painful to witness.
My initial reaction? I shared a joke about Mariah on my social media. Soon, my friends and I were cracking jokes and poking fun at what was clearly a deeply embarrassing experience for her. Sadly, we weren’t alone. The internet loves to tear down women when they’re vulnerable, especially celebrities.
Comments poured in from across the globe, critiquing her professionalism, talent, and appearance. Instead of focusing on her skills as a performer, many comments veered into hurtful territory, targeting her looks and diva reputation. While criticism comes with being in the public eye, we can strive to do better than what we did to Mariah Carey online. We can do better for each other too.
At the end of the day, none of us can hit those high notes like Mariah. Sure, we might hit a few shower notes, but let’s be honest—she’s on a whole different level. What she needs is to rise above the negativity, just as we all do from time to time.
Mistakes are universal. I mess up regularly—probably around 15 times before noon. When I slip up at work or let my kids down, the shame is real. I don’t need a group of women to chastise me; I can hold myself accountable. I’ve been embarrassed by acquaintances pointing out my flaws on social media, and it hurts.
But while I can manage my humiliation within my circle, Mariah had to endure hers on a global platform. We, as women, allowed her to suffer, sharing jokes and mocking her rather than extending support. This behavior only perpetuates the stereotype that women are unsupportive and judgmental of each other.
So, Mariah, keep your head held high. Know that I’m cheering for you. I regret joining in on the “Mariah’s Career Is Over” bandwagon and vow to hold back from mocking other women—celebrity or not—moving forward. You are not defined by your mistakes. And as for that bodysuit? I admire any woman bold enough to rock a sparkling leotard in front of a billion viewers. You go, girl.
Let’s face it; we encounter enough challenges in life without dragging each other down. It’s time to truly support each other as we head into this new year. Let’s uplift one another—game on!
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Summary
In a world where women often tear each other down, it’s crucial to change the narrative and support one another, especially in challenging moments. We should strive to uplift each other instead of joining in on the cycle of ridicule, as seen in the case of Mariah Carey’s recent performance. Let’s commit to building a community of support and understanding among women.