Growing up, Jamie Thompson was one of the most intriguing figures on TV. Her portrayal of rebellious teen Sarah in Family Matters was not just entertaining; it radiated an aura of cool nonchalance towards fame, beauty, and trends. While she was undeniably a star in the ’90s, she’s somehow even more fascinating today.
What sets Jamie apart is her unapologetic attitude towards societal norms and expectations—she genuinely doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Her recent discussions surrounding her new book, “Face: One Square Foot of Skin,” inspired me to cheer and even shed a tear of relief. Jamie Thompson embodies what it means to be a true badass.
In this collection of poignant narratives, Jamie explores the complex relationship women have with aging. Her first assertion? Stop labeling her courageous merely for embracing her natural appearance. Cue the applause.
It’s astonishing how absurd it is to call a woman “brave” just for being herself. It’s like saying, “I could never look like you, but good for you.” Seriously? I’m not here to argue whether cosmetic procedures are right or wrong—neither is Jamie—because that conversation misses the real issue. It’s about understanding why we feel pressured to conform to certain beauty standards, rather than what we choose to do with our looks.
Jamie highlighted in an interview with Glamour that we need to unpack our fears surrounding aging. “Identifying the root fears that don’t serve me allows me to move forward,” she stated. For many of us, those fears stem from a desire for validation and a fear of being overlooked. Wrinkles signify aging, and in today’s culture, getting older is often seen as a disadvantage. Society struggles to embrace women over 40, leading many to conceal their age.
I once believed I would gracefully embrace aging. But here I am, obsessively scrutinizing my face during video calls and thinking, who is this older version of myself? Even virtual platforms now offer beauty-enhancing filters.
I didn’t always feel this way about my appearance. There was a time when I confidently posed for photos instead of hiding behind my hoodie. Yet, this relentless pursuit to appear younger is draining and disheartening. The industry has long recognized that an exhausted woman is a less powerful woman, leading to the multi-billion dollar beauty industry that feeds on our insecurities. Well, I’m done with that.
Here’s the truth: I’m 43, and I look it, and I’m proud of it.
I refuse to feel shame for aging. Even my doctor has ads for cosmetic procedures. When you can’t even attend a routine appointment without encountering a pitch for Botox, it sends a clear message that we should aspire to look youthful.
Don’t get me wrong; I still plan to indulge in some self-care—like eyebrow waxing and hair coloring—once I’m fully vaccinated. However, there’s a difference between minor enhancements and normalizing extreme measures to appear decades younger. Jamie empowers us to reject the misogyny—both external and internal—that tells us we must fit a certain mold to be valued.
And this isn’t just a Hollywood issue. I remember asking for skincare advice in a Facebook group, confessing my minimalist routine, only to be criticized by a progressive woman for not prioritizing my skin. It’s a twisted narrative.
“Everyone talks about ‘empowering women,’ but empowering them for what?” Jamie commented in Vanity Fair. “To inject plastic into their faces? How about feeling empowered to walk through life with the mantra, ‘I look fabulous, no apologies’?”
She also emphasized the damaging effects this trend has on young people in our heavily filtered world. “Teens aren’t just comparing themselves to peers but to every influencer online,” Jamie shared with Glamour. “It’s overwhelming.”
Let me clarify: I’m not judging those who enjoy skincare routines or cosmetic procedures. However, the constant focus on filters and enhancements makes it difficult to embrace the concept of aging gracefully. These societal pressures divert attention from more fulfilling experiences, like spending time with loved ones or exploring the world.
Recently, I asked myself: would I rather invest money in cosmetic procedures or travel? For me, the answer is clear: travel wins every time. Yet, I still find myself fretting over my appearance before virtual meetings.
So, I’m taking inspiration from Jamie Thompson’s message. The next time I catch myself worrying about forehead lines or age-related changes, I’ll remind myself, “I look fabulous, no apologies!” Thank you, Jamie.
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Summary
Jamie Thompson challenges societal beauty standards and empowers women to embrace aging with confidence. Through her book “Face: One Square Foot of Skin,” she encourages a rejection of the notion that women must conform to certain ideals to be valued. By promoting self-acceptance, she inspires individuals to prioritize meaningful experiences over societal pressures regarding appearance.