Thank you, Berlin

It’s not uncommon for a woman of my age to feel self-conscious when in public settings. When I walk down the streets in any major U.S. city, and even in Bloomington for that matter, I am conscious of my body and wondering if my outfit is “trendy” enough. I feel like judgment is evident on the face of every person I pass. Berlin is completely different and in the most amazing way possible.

My first week here, I passed by a woman wearing a plain, white t-shirt with bold letters stating “FUCK YOUR STANDARDS OF BEAUTY.” If I could summarize the ideals of people wandering the streets of Berlin in one sentence, this would be it. I feel like there is a great sense of empowerment in being whatever you want to be here, not just for women, but men as well.

Some women here wear makeup. Some don’t. Some women dress conservatively. Some layer many different styles together to create a more unique look. I have never seen the conservatively dressed woman look judgingly at the woman not dressed like her, and vice versa. Because this is a city of so much urbanity, I believe it is an open and accepting culture.

This observation I had of standards of beauty in Berlin came at a time when a controversial topic surrounding the Miss USA pageant was occurring back in the states. Many people were praising our very own Miss Indiana for being the only contestant with a “normal” and “curvy” body. Many were upset that the media and society were setting yet another standard of beauty unattainable for many women. What is “normal” anyways?   

Berlin does not seem to have a “normal.” Everyone, and I mean everyone, looks different. You do not walk down the streets and see at least ten women wearing the same variation of an outfit they saw in this month’s InStyle. And, rarely do you see a stick-thin model in a tiny bikini plastered all over every billboard here. “Normal” is irrelevant to society in Berlin. “Normal” is whatever is normal to you.

I love this city for this reason. I love this city for improving my confidence. I love this city for letting me be the real me, and not some forced and fake version of myself I think is acceptable.