We all remember the stereotypical ‘bimbo’, right? That mid-00s insult flung at young women with a ditzy demeanor, a love for the colour pink and shameless desire to look ‘hot’. And now, 20 years later, the look is trending again… but this time, there is a distinct twist. What is Bimobism, 2.0?
To find out, you need to be on ‘Bimbotok’. TikTok is seeing a resurgence in, well, bimbos: she is once again a woman in her early 20s (usually white, usually blonde) with lip filler and Louis Vuitton logo print, modelling Paris Hilton-vibes in 60 second videos. But this new generation claim bimboism is an act of feminist defiance, a deliberate and political manipulation of patriarchal beauty standards.
The question is: can it really be feminist? And does it even need to be? Let’s catch up on the discourse.
Bimboism Basics
Originally, bimbo theory simply demanded that modern day feminism include the hot girl, rather than shun her for being ‘only’ beautiful. As fashion theorist Biz Sherbert writes: “Why do we demand that talented women must also be beautiful to be beloved? Must also be talented to be respected? It’s deeply sexist to demand that beauty and brains/talent/virtue must be displayed simultaneously.” And, like, good question.
Famous bimbos of the past went through it all: harsh criticism for being feminine and beautiful in the public eye, even harsher criticism when they opened their mouths to speak. Think Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, Paris, Britney Spears and Linsday Lohan… They endured enough public scrutiny for being beautiful – even though society demanded they be so – let alone the ridicule when they shared their thoughts with the world.
Bimbo theory is simple, really: a woman can be seen as dumb, ditzy and hot and still have inherent worth and value. TikTokers have taken this idea and run with it.
@bimbokate ♬ gimme more slayyyter remix – amber
TikTok Bimboism as a Feminist Act
TikTok bimbos are silly but smart. They know their societal value depends on how well they conform to stereotypical feminine looks. But they have taken the aesthetics of patriarchal desire (lip gloss; revealing outfits; long, shiny hair) and turned it into almost a parody. In a baby voice, they explain they’re in on the joke.
This evolution has changed the initial definition of a bimbo. Now, they still wear pink and low-cut tops, but they also hold and speak about ‘radical leftist’ beliefs. Their political ideals often center around the same three topics: pro-sex work, pro-#BLM, anti-Donald Trump (the man himself, but also the conservative values he represents).
It’s a bait and switch: she looks like the epitome of the male gaze, of sexual temptation, but she actively supports the destruction of the patriarchy and capitalism that created her. In fact, a lot of TikTok bimbos use the sexual rejection of men as part of the gag. Bimbos are here for “the girls, the gays, and the theys” – straight, cis-het men very much excluded.
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Criticisms of Bimbo Feminism
Some argue that the definition of who or what is a ‘radical leftist’ has become too simplified (with the bar set very low) and that Bimboism plays into this too. Turning yourself into exactly what men find attractive doesn’t always seem like the biggest middle-finger to the patriarchy.
TikTok Bimboism is also criticised for excluding people of colour. There is passionate discussion in the comment sections of Bimbotok videos about who can and can’t call themselves a bimbo. Even in this fantasy world, where one is free to own their extreme femininity, it’s worth questioning if, why and how certain stereotypes still exist.
Why are the most successful TikTok Bimbos still white, blonde and thin? Is it really feminist if new age Bimbos aren’t able to put women of colour, fat women, or disabled women at the center of their cult of pink? Is it really radical if it’s something that only white, thin women can excel at?
Identity issues always go deeper, and bimboism doesn’t seem ready to be the answer just yet.
@fleeksie Just keep being for the streets and making them cry in comment sections 🦍 ##foryou ##fyp ##misogyny
♬ original sound – Fleeksie
Maybe it’s not that deep?
So, is ‘bimbo’ an insult or a compliment? Maybe it doesn’t have to be either. Bimboism doesn’t need to be the next wave of a feminist movement – it could just be a trend that is ultimately nostalgic of a past time, just as ‘indie’ was for millennials. If the bimbo motto is “be hot, have fun and don’t worry” – that’s enough. Bimbotok might soon fade into oblivion like every other trend, leaving the real Bimbos hot, clueless, and happy to be just that.
