I recently came across an article on Speed Hunters. It’s a car enthusiast website. I came across an article entitled “banishing the female car enthusiast” I’ll post the link at the end of this if you care to read. The point of this article is that there should be no distinction between a female and male enthusiast as men do not call themselves that. But as you are all aware I’m sure, is that it is a male driven industry. This I know all too well. And yes, I agree that there should be no distinction between the two. But I will say proudly, I am a car enthusiast. I am a female. I am proud to be a part of a “rare breed” but I am ashamed that it is a rare breed. It is always a surprise and almost moment that I'm taken back by when I have women tell me when discussing my involvement with the race and car community that they find me amazing. That they could never do that, that they could never understand that. When that is simply not the case. I typically explain it this way, take a reality show, or a TV series… so many complicated relationships and dynamics. And yet, you understand perfectly. Pick up on queues, and body language. If you spent that much time getting to know motors, you would understand them just as well. But it’s intimidating. It’s hard to know where to start. It’s hard to admit you know nothing but you’re eager to jump in.
This was me. You don’t go into it knowing things, you start simple. You ask questions and never be afraid to admit what you don’t know. But as someone who is serious about the industry and serious about myself as a driver, mechanic, you want to be taken that way. Which is something that proves difficult as a female in a male driven environment. You want to be respected and known for your abilities, not necessarily your physical attributes. This has been a blessing and a downfall. I love my sexuality, I love feeling sexy. I love presenting myself with confidence that I love my body, but I love my mind just as much. So it brings the difficult stereotype into frame, that most women are just there because they look good next to a car. I’m guilty of it myself. And I believe that the women in the industry have sadly worked against each other more so than being accepting. It’s this dynamic that leaves me puzzled. I don’t want to just be viewed as the woman standing next to the car, I wanted to be known that I can drive it and work on it just as well as any man, if not, better. But how am I to be taken seriously if the stereotype stands? It seems impossible to express yourself. Something I’ve struggled with for years.
On this site, I’ve felt no judgment and have had wonderful feedback in my abilities as well as my sexuality. For example, if I were bent over an engine bay, yes, I love my ass. But I also love my car and am proud of the work I do. Yet, in typical social outlets, you’re scrutinized, and questioned if it was merely for a photo op or if you actually know what you’re doing. Now, there are exceptions… I’m sorry if you’re bent over an engine bay taking an open ended wrench to a radiator hose, I may take it as a joke and insult to women who aren’t taken seriously because of these very photos. It brings me back to the fact that, I love that this woman is interested in cars, or, at least I’d hope she’d be, but it’s the whole “don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know.” May have been a good idea to turn around and ask the person photographing her if that was the correct way to take a radiator hose off (I can assure you, it is not.) but I digress. These photos can be sexy and powerful, not to mention something she’s proud of. But more so than not, women serious about their work, don’t post about it or post themselves. They would rather their car and their driving talk for them. Which is sad to me in a sense. Yes, you want to knock em dead on the course, turn their heads on the street. But you also have to be proud of yourself. And not feel like that takes away from your credibility.
This article is a good step in letting women know, you are accepted. You are just another enthusiast. And should not be judged or questioned about your knowledge and involvement in the sport because you like to show yourself off too. So we like our cars, but we also like taking selfies with our nails done, makeup and heels… That should never be a factor in my dedication to my work and sport. It merely, in my opinion, adds to the beauty of my vehicles ;)
And maybe @lyxzen or @missy may find this interesting as it does bring up the point of being proud of who you are and being accepted for that.
Here's the original link and article for those who would like to read the entire thing Banishing the female car enthusiast
I am a car enthusiast. I am a woman. I dream of a day those statements need no mixing.
