This is a riot. I love Pinterest, but I ignore much of what’s on there because there’s an entire faction of Christian fundies and Mormon moms who make me very tense. (They post a lot of inspirational quotes about asking God to make your husband a Godly man, etc.)
I’ve turned a lot of people on to Pinterest, but they’re all sensible types like me who understand that posts about how to throw the ultimate party are for your amusement only. I like to look at the art, the home decor and the funny posts people put up. I dream about one day owning the Greek-island eternity pool that I see on Pinterest —- but I don’t actually expect to get one.
I do love the “how to” section. How to get rust stains off your shower floor! How to clean your oven without harsh chemicals! What’s not to love? (Many of these tips are completely useless. There are many, many blogs that feature Pinterest recipes or tips that didn’t work. (Sometimes the wisdom of the crowd is just the lowest common denominator.)
My friend Maya and I go to thrift stores together and talk about seeing the world “through Pinterest eyes” — which is really just a way of figuring out how to turn trash into treasure. (Or “recycling,” as we used to call it.) But we’re not obsessive at all. It’s just fun.
And I’m actually sad to read that so many women are defining themselves through the site, and holding themselves up to that standard. Really? That’s no different from those women who are so obsessed with Martha Stewart.
Here’s a revolutionary idea: Why not become yourself?
So many women define themselves in relation to someone or something else, and that’s a shame. Because being the authentic you is ultimately the most creative thing you can do.
