That’s the weighty question discussed in this article.
My answer would be both: I’d be lying if I said I never wore high heels because they meant I’d be looking down on an opponent. I’m not saying I’m proud of it, but with my heels, I’ve towered over many an old-school, pro-abortion feminist. Feels good.
Less empowering, however, is not being able to walk. Yup, height is power, and power has a downside.
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Brigitte can’t help it: I see the picture and I think, “yep, that would do nicely for self-defence” (imagine a spinning back kick with one of those)… Walking, not so much.
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Yellow belt Andrea replies: We practiced our spinning back kicks at karate last night. Would be much more challenging in high heels, to be sure. I’m not going to try.
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Tanya’s cold medication adds: According to the old episodes of The Smurfs, high heels and blond hair are empowering. Brown hair and flats got Smurfette nowhere, but the alternative got 99 male smurfs showering her with gifts. (I’ve been watching too much Teletoon Retro.)
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Andrea is quite sure that “according to The Smurfs” is something we don’t hear often enough in debate. Picture it: you’re discussing, oh say, the attempt to create a coalition government. Preface your opinion with “according to the Smurfs”–and really, who is going to challenge you? You win the day, all because of a single phrase.
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It’s a tough balance. I loved and swore by heels. Until I fell down a flight of stairs in them in my last year of undergrad (this may have been partly stress induced)…Suffice to say, flats are a reluctant new found friend. Especially as someone who doesn’t lead the life of leisure (Watch out retirement!)