Tail Discrimination!
The Mermaid community is a small, cozy group of enthusiasts who love Mermaids, Sirens, Tails and the Sea and some even like Pirates. You would think as a collective
group everyone would be supportive and inclusive - as it should be, right!?.
Recently, I have noticed, particularly on social media, but also at events and
festivals, what I am calling “Tail Discrimination.”
What is “Tail Discrimination” you ask… Simply put it’s tail
favoritism or separatism.
You have a silicon mermaid tail = you can’t swim with
us. You have a spandex tail = you can’t swim with us. You have a sequins tail =
you can’t swim with us. You have a neoprene tail = you can’t swim with us. You
have a cardboard tail = get out of the pool!!
Why are some events “spandex only” or “silicon only”
events?? Unless, there is some environmental reason or pool rule – why wouldn’t
ALL tails be invited to play?? I mean lets not sit in the shallow end of the
pool girls. Everyone needs to feel good about themselves and their tails.
(I’m NOT
talking about for hire or private events by the way. I am talking about fairs,
festivals, public gatherings and the like.)
For example if your having a "open swim" or volunteer pod gathering at a local festival - it seems discriminatory to me if you hang a sign that says "No Silicon Tails Allowed." I have heard the argument that "it's not fair" to the women wearing lycra tails.... but, how is this "fair" it to the women who wants to participate in a silicon tail???? So are they supposed to sit at the back of the festival??? and yes, I am being dramatic here, I am trying to illustrate that mermaids are discriminating against their Mer-sisters and women's dreams are being crushed and I am not sure if anyone is even realizing it! I am just encouraging everyone to pause and think!
Discrimination is discrimination.
Let’s be honest mermaid tails are just like the people that
are wearing them: they come in all different sizes, shapes, colors, ages and
price points. It doesn’t seem fair that ANYONE should be discriminated against
because of the kind of tail they have or how much it cost.
Being an owner of several different kinds of tails, mostly
all designed and handcrafted by myself, with the exception of one professional silicon tail, I can attest that there is no perfect tail for every situation or
event anyway. And although, they are all different they are all equally
beautiful and “real”. I would hate for others to dictate which tail I should
wear at which event and to exclude me if my tail didn’t match. I am blessed having tail choices.... but, what about the girls that only have one tail hanging in the closet... what if they can't pick and choose what tail they can wear to what event just to FIT IN???
I see the mermaid tail as a tool that can really unite women
in a common interest, allowing women to embrace their beauty, and be
empowered. NO ONE should be judged on the shoes they wear nor the tail they
swim in. Mermaids should be loved and accepted and invited to play regardless
of their tail. It is such a small community, we should really do everything WE can to make sure it’s a welcoming and fun place to be creative and expressive.
As a community we need to look at our actions and think about what they are saying..... Are we saying: "Come swim with us?" "You are welcomed?" "You are beautiful?" "Your not your tail?" "Your accepted - no matter what tail you swim in?"
The tail does not make the Mermaid!
Be proud of the tail your swimming in and remember to be inclusive and empower each other!
Thanks for reading!
