Books Unfiltered: Rants, Reviews, and Reflections
This is not just another collection of reviews. It's where I get real about books-no filters, no sugar-coating. From dissecting the latest Wattpad hits to ranting about clichés, tropes, and everythin...
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"OH, I DON'T DO MAKEUP!"
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When you read the title of this episode, what tone did you imagine?
Was it the tone of a girl who genuinely doesn't care about makeup without putting others down, or someone who just really wants to stand out?
Let's dive into some familiar stereotypes often seen in Wattpad stories—particularly in the way female leads are portrayed.
Now, disclaimer: these points don't apply to every story—but if the cap fits, go ahead and wear it!
We've all seen the "I'm not like other girls" trope, where the female lead is portrayed as special simply because she's different from other women. She's not into makeup or fashion—maybe she's "one of the boys."
But let's be real; this trope can unintentionally set women up against each other, suggesting that women who enjoy traditionally feminine things are somehow less genuine. A character doesn't have to avoid makeup to have depth!
Consider lines like, "She looked beautiful even though she was barefaced" or "She didn't wear makeup because it's not her thing." Does that make her a "pick-me" girl? Not necessarily. But it can be a problem when other female characters get one-dimensional introductions: "She wore a ton of makeup" or "She had on a low-cut top." Why is it that the barefaced girl is seen as "real," while makeup-loving characters are suddenly out to steal boyfriends? Make it make sense!
Let's also talk about self-respect, a favourite theme for our female leads. There's this old saying that women "lose" their self-respect when they fall deeply in love. But if we're writing our male leads to set higher standards, why not hold our female leads to that standard too?
Show your readers—especially your female audience—that self-respect should never be sacrificed for love. This message is bigger than romance; it's about how you handle yourself with friends, family, everyone.
Why not show partners who grow together, learning to set healthy boundaries and inspire each other? A strong female lead doesn't mean she has to be invincible; it just means she knows her worth.
And to anyone who disagrees, bataiye toh, kaha bech ke aate ho apni self-respect?
Next up: the trope of the clueless female lead during intimate moments. She's shy and inexperienced—until suddenly, she seems to know it all, out of nowhere. Where are the real, awkward first-experience moments? Why not add some realism here? Struggles, doubts, and all those little awkward details make it way more relatable.
And don't get me started on the clumsy, bubbly, naïve, innocent female lead. It's like people can't imagine a woman who's more reserved, maybe a bit grumpy, a perfectionist, or just not great at expressing her feelings—still being capable of loving deeply.
