This was originally posted to my old blog on 23 November 2013.

This is a classic example of the more subtle gender discrimination that is so prevalent, and so devoid of intent to harm, that we mostly just don’t see it. The fact that we’re so used to it we hardly notice, doesn’t lessen the harm it does, the message this view of women drills in over and over again. It’s actually heartbreaking to use this example as it’s from an article highlighting a lovely song with a touching accompanying video. Even so, I cringed when I read this:

The heartbreaking yet understated video has Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino on the piano as a svelte Aguilera, clad in a little black dress, lends her soulful vocals.

Did you miss it? Let me rewrite and try to show you what’s happening here:

The heartbreaking yet understated video has a trim Ian Axel in figure-fitting casuals and dreamy Chad Vaccarino in a fetching suit on the piano as Aguilera lends her soulful vocals.

I just can’t get this to not bother me anymore. It is wrong, and it has to stop.