Breakdown:
- Women Checking Out Women:
- The speaker highlights that women don’t just check out men but also take notice of other women. This observation stems from the idea that women are interesting to look at, not only because of their beauty but also because of the variety in their fashion choices and style expressions. This adds to the intrigue, making women visually appealing to other women as well.
- Subtlety in Female Gaze:
- The speaker explains that women tend to check out others in a more discreet manner. Unlike men, who are often obvious when they look at women, women do it in a way that can be almost imperceptible. This subtlety might stem from a self-protective mechanism, where direct eye contact is avoided to prevent being noticed or judged.
- Internalized Male Gaze:
- The concept of the “male gaze” is introduced, referencing art critic John Berger. The speaker suggests that women are not only curious about other women but may also be viewing them through an internalized male gaze. This means women might look at other women while simultaneously considering how they themselves are being looked at or perceived, creating a complex layer of self-awareness and external observation.
- Comparison to Male Behavior:
- The speaker contrasts this behavior with how men check out women, which is often overt and noticeable. Men may even stop in their tracks to admire a woman, whereas women tend to be much more subtle, whether they are admiring another woman or even checking out a man.
- Curiosity and Beauty:
- The speaker emphasizes that women are often curious about other women due to shared beauty standards and an interest in clothing and appearance. It’s not just about attraction but a fascination with the ways women present themselves, something men typically do not experience in the same way.
- Conclusion:
- Ultimately, the observation underscores the nuanced and multifaceted nature of attraction and observation. While men may be obvious when checking out women, women are often more discreet and might even be looking at other women more than men realize.
Summary: The speaker delves into the differences in how men and women observe each other. While men often check out women in a more obvious manner, women are more subtle, frequently checking out other women for reasons that go beyond attraction—such as shared curiosity about beauty and fashion. The discussion touches on the idea of the “male gaze” and how women may internalize it when observing others.