How To Spot Empowerment Imposters
em·pow·er·ment – əmˈpouərmənt/ : the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights. “political steps for the empowerment of women”
It’s one of my favorite four syllable words; right up there with inspiration and motivation. Those kinds of words are like mantras and warrior cries, particularly for women, who wish to rise above circumstance and become their best self; in short they are awesomely powerful words to direct at yourself and others. But (there’s always a but) I’ve noticed this annoying sub-version of these intended-to-be-inspiring messages on social media & in conversations. Surely, you’ve seen it, too. The three sure actions of empowerment imposters
Hypocrisy.
If you shout and tout your conviction that ‘WOMEN EMPOWER OTHER WOMEN!” and then bash another woman for her life choices… you are a jerk hypocrite. You don’t get to pick and choose who you think is empowerment worthy. Every woman & girl, from the stripper to the CEO deserves to be and feel empowered. You cannot, for example, call Alexandra Ocasio Cortez a hero and Lauren Boebert (or any other woman) derogatory names … and claim that you believe in empowering women.
And before you come at me for virally mocking Kamala Harris, please note that my videos are satirical & parody in nature and not about making derogatory jabs on a personal level. While many people will say political figures and celebrities are fair game, and declare open season on them, I don’t fully agree. There are lines I won’t cross.
Man-Bashing.
If you feel the need to put down, berate, or belittle men and their value to us: you are not truly empowered. A woman truly empowered doesn’t feel the need to bring anyone down. I don’t care if your ex is a piece of crap or your dad left you when you were little; if your eyes aren’t forward looking, your chin isn’t held high, and you haven’t learned what you don’t want from a partner thanks to those losers: you are not empowered, you’re bitter. Bitterness is toxic, and it will prevent you from ever being empowered. Let that shit go.
Blame-Gaming.
This is the United States of America. Not the Middle East. You are NOT oppressed. Your vote counts, your voice is heard, your contributions have changed the course of the world many times over, and they will continue to do so. You are not a victim of gender, so stop acting like it. The great women in history – from the women’s suffragists to Rosa Parks and beyond – have made their voices heard. (Oh, and they did it with dignity, not p***y hats).
In 2023, it is no one’s fault but your own (and probably your liberalism) if you’re not thriving. Don’t tell me ‘cards are stacked against me ’because I’m a female‘, I will call bullshit every time. *A bit of irony, of course, is that now biological males are competing and winning female sports (and beauty pageants, and awards, and magazine covers, so on) and y’all have NOTHING to say about that.
Be Truly Empowered & Empowering
If you honestly, sincerely want to be a woman of substance and empowerment, then speak words of praise & kindness about yourself & others, or be quiet. Respect that everyone’s journey is different. You don’t have to agree with a single thing someone does, but by the rules of basic human decency, you have to respect them. Tear no one down in the process of building yourself up. Basically? Just be a good human, get satisfaction in it, encourage others to do so, and you will find the key to genuine empowerment.
About Elsa Kurt
Lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife, Elsa Kurt has channeled her fierce love and passion for defending the defenders as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show , correspondent and media personality for Right America Media & Law Enforcement Today. Her book, Welcome to the Family (Life Behind the Thin Blue Line) has been called the “must have survival guide for new LEO spouses.”
The vocal LEOF advocate is also a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women’s novels. Her fiction stories explore the complex and relatable experiences of everyday life – the love & laughter, the heartbreak & sorrow, and everything in between. She finds the extraordinary in ordinary lives and puts you in the front seat of every story. Elsa has also written several children’s books, all with themes of encouragement, empowerment & uplifting messaging.
In 2022, Elsa launched The Writer’s Tribe Talk Show, an audio & video podcast for authors & a line of author merchandise in her Writer’s Tribe Store with clothing and more for authors & aspiring authors. Elsa also created three lines of apparel, accessories, & home decor: EKS Store with show & first responder merchandise, iGoodhuman, and Very Sweary Stuff. In 2022, she joined the Amazon Influencer program & opened her Elsa Kurt Official storefront where you can shop all Elsa’s favorite Amazon finds.
As of 2022, she is the current Vice President of the Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association. Elsa has also embraced the fun and entertaining world of Tik Tok as theotherelsa.
